Tom Saintfiet spoke with quiet pride under the Rabat lights on Friday night, his words mirroring the composure that carried Mali to a hard-earned 1–1 draw with hosts Morocco and kept Group A wide open at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In front of more than 60,000 fans at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Morocco pushed for a win that would have almost sealed qualification.
Mali, however, were not intimidated. They stayed organised, matched the hosts’ intensity and played with the calm assurance Saintfiet later praised.
“I’m very proud of my players,” the Mali coach said. “They have talent, but also physical and mental strength. They were disciplined, tactically organised and very good in transition.”
Morocco took the lead through Brahim Diaz in the first half, but Mali never lost their shape or belief. Just before the hour mark, Lassine Sinayoko was fouled in the box. After a VAR check, he stepped up and calmly sent Bono the wrong way to level the match.
For Saintfiet, the response mattered as much as the goal. “In the second half, the boys reacted very well,” he said. “Even with all the pressure of playing the host nation in front of such a crowd, they stayed focused.”
The Belgian, who has been with Mali for 16 months, said performances like this simply confirm his faith in the squad. “I know their quality, but it’s always good to see it again,” he said. “We were not afraid. We believe we can compete with anyone.”
Saintfiet felt his game plan largely worked. “We believed in ourselves and followed the plan,” he said. “With a bit more luck, maybe we could have won. But one point is fair.”
That draw leaves Mali on two points, level with Zambia, while Morocco top Group A with four. Comoros sit bottom on one, setting up a tense final round.
Saintfiet also thanked Mali’s supporters. “Their support is always fantastic,” he said. “At home and away, they are with us. We are together as Eagles.”
Mali now turn their focus to Monday’s final group match against Comoros, knowing that another composed display could carry Saintfiet’s proud Eagles into the knockout stage.
