AFCON: Mali coach Saintfiet on facing Morocco, Bissouma readiness

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet discussed coming up against hosts Morocco and the chances of midfielder Yves Bissouma playing his first game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Les Aigles will return for their matchday two at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, having drawn their Group A opener 1-1 against Zambia. Mali will come up against a Morocco side, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Comoros.

Mali aim is to win every AFCON match

On facing Morocco, Saintfiet told reporters as quoted by CAFOnline.com: “We respect Morocco. We are not arrogant. But we want to win every match.”

On the 1-1 draw against Zambia, he said: “Now intelligence is more important than emotion. We created problems for ourselves in the first match. This is a long tournament, and we must be smart.”

Asked whether Tottenham star Bissouma will start against Morocco, he replied: “The reason Yves is here today is not because he will necessarily play tomorrow. There is no link between who sits next to me and who starts the match. Maybe he plays, maybe he doesn’t.”

Speaking at the same conference, Bissouma said: “What matters to me today is Mali. I am here and fully focused on tomorrow’s match. The rest doesn’t concern me. As captain, I try to bring a positive spirit to the group. Everyone can motivate the team in their own way.”

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