Mali Coach: "Portugal and Italy Drew 3 Times in EURO Group Stage and Reached the Final After That"

Mali national team coach, Belgian Tom Saintfiet, expressed great confidence in his team's ability to go far in the Africa Cup of Nations currently being held in Morocco, asserting that his team possesses all the qualities to compete for the continental title.

Saintfiet based his remarks on previous experiences of major national teams that struggled in their early stages of major tournaments before going on to win titles, suggesting that group stage results do not always reflect a team's ultimate fate in the competition.

The Mali coach wrote in a post published on his official Facebook account:

"In 1972, the Mali national team drew three times in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, and ultimately reached the only final in its history."

He added: "In 1982, the Italy national team drew three times in the World Cup group stage, and later went on to become world champions."

He continued: "In 2016, the Portugal national team drew three times in the European Championship group stage, but finished the tournament crowned with the title."

Saintfiet concluded his post by stating: "In 2025, the Mali national team drew three times in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage," a clear indication of the possibility of repeating a positive scenario and achieving a historic accomplishment for the Malian national team.

The Mali national team had already secured its spot in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having finished second in Group A with three points, earned from three consecutive draws.