'We are here to win' - Mali coach fires warning ahead of Black Stars clash
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Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has sent a strong message to the Black Stars ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday night.
The Eagles will face Ghana in a decisive Matchday 8 encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, where both teams will be fighting for vital points in Group I.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Saintfiet made his intentions clear.
He declared confidently.
Ghana is a top team in Africa. They are number one in our group, four points ahead of us, so it will be a tough match. But we are here to write history. We want to win here—it is clear
The Belgian coach also appeared to take a swipe at Black Stars manager Otto Addo, who had previously criticised the poor pitch conditions in Chad after Ghana’s recent draw.
Saintfiet added.
I am not the kind of coach who talks about pitches and circumstances. The pitch is for both teams, the same level… Pitches have no influence; we have no influence on pitches. We play tomorrow on any pitch, and we will play a good game with our potential
Mali heads into the fixture with 12 points, sitting just behind Ghana, who top the group with 16 points after seven games. A victory for the Eagles in Accra would move them to 15 points, narrowing the gap to just one.
Meanwhile, Otto Addo and his Black Stars will be determined to defend their home turf, with hopes of extending their tally to 19 points and strengthening their push for a fifth World Cup appearance.
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