CAN 2025: “we’ll give it our all to pull off a miracle”, Tom Saintfiet ahead of Senegal – Mali

On the eve of a highly anticipated CAN 2025 quarter-final, Mali are approaching Senegal, one of the tournament’s big favourites, without any inferiority complex. At Thursday’s press conference, the Eagles’ head coach, Tom Saintfiet, showed measured but genuine confidence, convinced his team has what it takes to trouble the Lions of Teranga.

Aware of Senegal’s pedigree, the Belgian coach nonetheless refuses to be intimidated. For him, the balance of power is decided above all on the pitch, where his players intend to fight for their chances with personality and ambition. « We have no pressure at all, he said. In 2025, Senegal only lost to Brazil, and they beat England. We know we’re going to face a very strong team, with big names, but we’re not impressed. They’re players just like my players. My players are great players too. I’m not impressed by Senegal, I’m impressed by my team. »

The stakes are huge: among the teams still in contention, the Eagles are the only ones never to have lifted the continental trophy. That fact fuels the hunger of a group determined to write a page of history. Saintfiet promises a hard-fought, committed match, where every detail will count in the fight for a place in the final four. « Playing a quarter-final is always something special. We’re going to do everything we can to stay on here in Morocco after tomorrow’s match. Tomorrow we’ll give it our all to pull off a miracle and qualify for the semi-final. We’re the only team that hasn’t won the cup yet, and we believe this is our moment», he vowed.

Relying on a squad he considers solid and disciplined, the coach emphasized the strength of the group over individual talent. « I love attractive football, but when it isn’t realistic and doesn’t help you win, attractive football gets you nowhere. Mali was known for its attractive football but not for its discipline. That’s the small touch I’ve brought with my staff. We play with one striker. He (Lassine Sinayoko, editor’s note) doesn’t just score goals. He brings a lot and helps the team. He’s a very good player, but not the only one. He can only score when the others do their job», he concluded. The Senegal-Mali match is scheduled for this Friday at the Grand Stade de Tanger, kicking off at 5 p.m. (GMT+1).