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Eagles of Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet has tagged three-time AFCON champions, Super Eagles as one of the main favourites for 2026 title in Morocco.
The Belgian, who was once linked to the Super Eagles vacant job, told CAFonline, when asked about Mali’s true status going into this AFCON—favourites, outsiders, or challengers?
Saintfiet replied: “I read an article on France 24 describing us as ‘big outsiders,’ and I think that’s accurate. The main favourites are Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, and Nigeria—nations with great experience and consistency. But several others can also win the title: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Tunisia, and even South Africa.
“We may not have as many global stars, but we have a cohesive, talented, and determined group. And AFCON history shows that it’s not always the star-studded teams that triumph—remember Zambia in 2012, or Burkina Faso’s run to the 2013 final. These are powerful examples.
We must believe it’s possible, work hard, and stay focused.
“For Mali, the mission is clear: to be an outsider capable of staying until the very end. We now have the quality to compete with the best.
We fear no one but respect everyone. Our goal is to stay until the end.”
