AFCON: Mali coach Tom Saintfiet sets minimum target in Morocco

Mali national team coach Tom Saintfiet has set a minimum target for the Eagles to achieve during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Despite the West African side being pooled in Group A alongside Morocco, Zambia, and the Comoros, the 52-year-old Belgian coach has urged his players to reach the semifinals of the tournament.

‘We don’t fear any team’

With the AFCON weeks away, Saintfiet has discussed the team’s pairing in Morocco and what he wants to achieve.

“Many people have called it the “Group of Death,” but for me, it’s an exciting group. There are no easy games at the AFCON. Some groups may seem more accessible on paper, but every qualified nation deserves respect,” Saintfiet told CAFOnline.com.

“It’s always better to face competitive teams. To achieve results, we must stay 100% focused—and 500% committed over the three group games. Morocco are the favourites, and it’s a privilege to play them, especially on their home turf. I would have preferred to face them in our first match—it’s the kind of game everyone wants to play.

“The other teams, Zambia and the Comoros, should not be underestimated either. Zambia have a strong coach; they struggled in World Cup qualifying but remain a dangerous AFCON side. The Comoros, meanwhile, qualified ahead of Tunisia and Gambia. I know their coach, Stefano Cusin, very well—we faced them during World Cup qualifying. That won’t be an easy match either.”

He added: “In the past, the team scored more but also conceded more. Today, we’ve found balance. Every player understands his role and responsibilities. We want to be a team that’s tough to beat.

“We aim to win against the Comoros, Zambia, and even Morocco. We fear no one but respect everyone. Our goal is to stay until the end.

“During qualifying, we showed strength: ten goals for, one against—and that goal came in my very first match, against Mozambique (1–1). Since then, we haven’t conceded in World Cup qualifying. We’ve developed the squad, introduced new players, and given opportunities to young talents.”

Mali will kick off their campaign against Zambia on December 22.

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