Mali strengthened its hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros on Thursday in Berkane, Morocco.
As the Eagles prepare for their next qualifier against the Central African Republic, head coach Tom Saintfiet reflected on the team’s progress and provided an update on former captain Hamari Traoré’s potential return.
Decisive victory over Comoros
Securing three points against Comoros was crucial for Mali’s qualification campaign, and Saintfiet expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“I’m very happy that we won this match, which was very important. Beating Comoros 3-0 is a great performance, and I’m proud of the team. The Comorians have had some very good results in recent months. They qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, finishing top of their group, ahead of Tunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar,” said the Belgian tactician.
Comoros had established itself as a formidable opponent, having secured three victories in World Cup qualifying prior to this match.
Saintfiet acknowledged the challenge posed by Stefano Cusin’s side but was pleased with his players’ discipline and determination.
“The team was very serious and diligent. The players are tired because the season is busy, and it’s Ramadan. The most important thing is this victory, which keeps our qualification hopes alive.We scored three goals against a very solid Comorian defense. Since I took charge, the team has only conceded once, in my first match against Mozambique in September,” he added.
Focus shifts to Central African Republic
Mali will now turn its attention to Monday’s fixture against the Central African Republic in Casablanca.
The opposition is coming off a heavy 4-1 defeat to Madagascar, but Saintfiet remains cautious.
“Madagascar played a very good game and logically won, but the Central African Republic is still a strong team and will want to bounce back. We must not forget that our first-leg match in Bamako ended in a 1-1 draw. We will take this game as seriously as any other. If we want to qualify for the World Cup, we need to secure points,” he said.
With Group I tightly contested between Ghana, Madagascar, Comoros, and Mali, the competition remains wide open.
“The ideal situation would be for us to win on Monday and for the Madagascar-Ghana match to end in a draw,” Saintfiet added.
Hamari Traoré’s national team future
Former Mali captain Hamari Traoré has not featured in the squad since his suspension and subsequent knee injury in September.
Now back in action with Real Sociedad, his future with the national team remains uncertain.
“Of course, we have been in contact. He is a very good player with a lot of experience, playing for a top Spanish club.
He was Mali’s captain before his serious injury. I followed his two matches in March, and it is great to see him back on the pitch.
But it was not possible for him to join us for these qualifiers because he has only just returned to competition,” Saintfiet explained.
Les #Aigles ont rallié Casablanca hier soir aux environs de 20H où ils affrontent demain la #Centrafrique.
De l’aéroport, l’équipe s’est directement dirigée vers le Complexe d’entrainement du Wydad Athletic Club où elle a effectué sa 1ère séance d’entraînement.#CFMLI #WCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/8vHSRdHuSa— FEMAFOOT (@femafoot) March 23, 2025
With the defender gradually regaining match fitness, the coach remains hopeful about his potential return later in the year.
“We have to give him time to get back into rhythm. We will see in June, as we should play one or two friendlies,” he concluded.
Mali’s upcoming match against the Central African Republic will be pivotal in shaping its qualification campaign.
With momentum on their side, the Eagles will aim to secure another victory and keep their World Cup dream alive.
