Mali Football Federation unveil Tom Saintfiet as new head coach 

The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) has unveiled Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet as the new head coach of the national team, days before their crucial 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign kicks off.

 Femafoot confirmed Saintfiet's appointment on its social media handles onWednesday, ending a selection process that reportedly considered six candidates. 

The Belgian emerged victorious from a shortlist that included high-profile names such as Antonio Conceiçao, Hector Cùper, and Pitso Mosimane.

Saintfiet's contract, a two-year deal with the possibility of extension, comes with lofty expectations. 

The appointment marks a significant shift from Saintfiet's recent role with the Philippines national team, a position he took up in February just after leaving Gambia.

Femafoot has set ambitious targets for the new coach, including reaching the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 in Morocco and securing Mali's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. 

NID DES AIGLES
Le technicien belge, Tom Saintfiet (51 ans) est le nouveau sélectionneur des Aigles du #Mali. pic.twitter.com/bcxAiCCDwg

— FEMAFOOT (@femafoot) August 28, 2024