By Oni Ladonette Ondesa
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has named Anthony da Silva as the new head coach of the national team, following the dismissal of Belgian Tom Saintfiet earlier this year.
The appointment comes after a recruitment process held between 28 April and 26 May, during which several candidates submitted detailed proposals.
Saintfiet’s tenure ended in April after Mali failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and suffered a quarter-final elimination at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His departure reflected growing frustration among supporters and officials who expected the Eagles to establish themselves as a consistent force in African football.
Da Silva, a Franco-Portuguese former defender, enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included spells in Portugal and Romania. He captained CFR Cluj to two Liga I titles and three Romanian Cup victories, also featuring in the UEFA Champions League. After retiring in 2015, he moved into coaching, working with clubs in Portugal and Romania, and serving a video analysts with Cameroon’s national team
In his presentation to FEMAFOOT, Da Silva outlined a project built on renovation, performance, and long-term development. His plan emphasizes achieving results in continental and global competitions, strengthening the domestic league, and promoting local talent. He will be supported by a Malian assistant coach, whose appointment is expected to be confirmed shortly, ensuring that local expertise complements his international experience.
FEMAFOOT has stressed that the new technical staff must align with the vision of the Executive Committee elected on 16 April, which prioritizes discipline, rigor, and performance. The federation has reassured supporters that Da Silva’s roadmap is designed to meet these expectations and restore confidence in the national team.
The new coach inherits a squad featuring established internationals such as Yves Bissouma, Amadou Haidara, and Cheick Doucouré. His immediate challenge will be to prepare the team for upcoming qualifiers, where results will be closely scrutinized by a fan base eager for success. For Mali, Da Silva’s appointment represents both a fresh start and a statement of intent: a commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging for honours in Africa and beyond.
Mali will begin their campaign in Group K of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they face Cape Verde, Rwanda, and Liberia. The fixtures are scheduled across three FIFA international windows: September–October 2026, November 2026, and March 2027.
The opening matchday will see Mali host Cape Verde in Bamako, before travelling to Monrovia to face Liberia. With only the top two teams advancing to the finals in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Da Silva’s tenure will be tested immediately under the pressure of qualification.
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