Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has identified two more young talents as potential additions to the Eagles squad, as he intensifies his European scouting tour ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Following his recent meeting with Soumaila Coulibaly, the 21-year-old Brest defender, Saintfiet has continued his mission to strengthen the national team by focusing on youth prospects who could bolster Mali’s ranks in the upcoming international fixtures.
Coulibaly, who has been on Saintfiet’s radar for some time, appears poised for his first call-up to the national team.
The coach’s face-to-face meeting with the player during his visit to France has solidified previous contacts and increased the likelihood of Coulibaly donning the Mali jersey in the near future.
However, the Brest defender isn’t the only fresh face Saintfiet is considering. The coach extended his European tour to northern France, where he attended the Ligue 1 clash between Dunkerque and Clermont, a match that featured three Malian players.
In Clermont’s lineup were defender Cheick Konaté, 20, and midfielder Habib Keïta, 23, while Dunkerque’s midfield featured 20-year-old Antoine Sekongo.
Saintfiet used the opportunity to observe all three in action before engaging in post-match discussions, with particular interest in Konaté and Sekongo.
Cheick Konaté is already familiar with the Eagles setup, having participated in Mali’s last training camp, and is expected to be part of the squad for the March 2025 fixtures.
The young defender’s consistent form at Clermont has strengthened his case for continued involvement with the national team.
Meanwhile, both Sekongo and Keïta could be on the brink of earning their first international call-ups.
Saintfiet reportedly held more in-depth talks with the duo, signaling his intent to expand Mali’s player pool as the team heads into crucial World Cup qualifiers.
The Malian coach’s focus on youth aligns with his broader strategy of rejuvenating the squad.
By integrating emerging talents, Saintfiet aims to create a dynamic and competitive team capable of navigating the challenges of the qualifiers and future tournaments.
Mali currently sits fourth in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with five points, trailing the leaders in a tight race.
The Eagles face two pivotal away matches against Comoros and Central African Republic, fixtures that could define their qualification hopes.
Saintfiet’s meticulous approach to squad building highlights his commitment to long-term success.
By identifying and nurturing young talents, he is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and versatile team, not just for the World Cup qualifiers but for future international competitions.
As anticipation builds for the next squad announcement, Malian fans eagerly await confirmation of which new faces will join the Eagles as they continue their journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
For players like Coulibaly, Sekongo, and Keïta, a call-up would mark a significant milestone in their careers and offer fresh energy to a national team hungry for success on the global stage.
