Badou Zaki Shortlisted to Lead Mali National Team - Elbotola
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Badou Zaki Shortlisted to Lead Mali National Team

Badou Zaki Shortlisted to Lead Mali National Team

T.E (Elbotola)
20 May 2026at19:26

The Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) has announced that Moroccan coach Badou Zaki, currently managing the Niger national team, is on the final shortlist of candidates to take charge of the senior Mali national team. This follows a rigorous selection process that initially included 28 applications.

In an official statement, the federation explained that a special committee reviewed the applications based on strict technical criteria. Key requirements included holding a "CAF Pro" or "UEFA Pro" coaching license, along with international experience and a proposed sports project.

Only five coaches were selected to proceed in the race. Badou Zaki leads the list, alongside Congolese Jean-Florent Ikwange Ibenge, Malian Mohamed Magassouba, and Portuguese coaches António Conceição Oliveira and António da Silva.

The five shortlisted coaches will undergo in-depth interviews with the technical committee in the coming days. The final report will then be submitted to FEMAFOOT's Executive Committee on May 24 to finalize the identity of the new coach for the "Eagles of Mali."

What is the latest update on the Mali national team coaching search?

The Mali national team coaching search has narrowed to a final shortlist of five candidates, including Moroccan coach Badou Zaki. These coaches were selected from 28 initial applications based on strict technical criteria and international experience, moving closer to naming the new leader for the "Eagles of Mali".

Who are the other coaches shortlisted alongside Badou Zaki for the Mali job?

Alongside Badou Zaki, the other coaches shortlisted for the Mali national team job include Congolese Jean-Florent Ikwange Ibenge, Malian Mohamed Magassouba, and two Portuguese coaches. They all met the stringent requirements, including holding a CAF Pro or UEFA Pro coaching license, to advance in the selection process.

What are the next steps in selecting the new Mali national team coach?

The next steps in selecting the new Mali national team coach involve in-depth interviews with the technical committee for the five shortlisted candidates. Following these interviews, a final report will be submitted to FEMAFOOT's Executive Committee to make the ultimate decision on the new coach.
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