Mali’s coach, Tom Saintfiet, will have to manage without four essential players for the next two decisive matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This Mali national team gathering began on Monday, September 1, in a context where every point is crucial for qualification. The absence of these key players, whose identities have not been officially disclosed, poses an additional challenge for the Malian team ahead of their clash with the group leader, Ghana.
After a brilliant 3-0 victory against Comoros on matchday 7 at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco, Mali reinforced its position in third place in Group I with 12 points. However, with Ghana leading at 16 points, the Eagles know the upcoming match in Accra will be decisive. This first win has restored confidence in the team, but Tom Saintfiet warns against complacency, emphasizing that focus and tactical discipline remain essential to have a chance to topple the group leader.
The reasons for the absence of these four key players vary between injuries and disciplinary measures, complicating preparation for the Belgian coach who arrived in Mali in September 2024. Since his arrival, Saintfiet has qualified Mali for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by finishing top of their qualification group, establishing one of the strongest defensive records in Africa. Nonetheless, the current situation forces Mali to rely on young talents and scout new prospects, including two players based in the Netherlands, to compensate for these absences and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Moreover, the decision to play the match against Comoros in Berkane, Morocco, rather than in Bamako, due to a religious event in the main stadium, sparked controversy and dissatisfaction among Malian supporters deprived of mass support. This situation highlights numerous extra-sporting constraints the Malian team faces. Despite this, with a reshuffled squad and the determination of a whole nation, Mali is preparing to fight fiercely to secure a spot among the African nations at the 2026 World Cup.