Back where it works for him: Saintfiet appointed as Mali's new head coach

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has been appointed as the new head coach of Mali's national football team, following his resignation from his position with the Philippines, the Mali Football Federation confirmed on Thursday.

Saintfiet, 51, has an extensive coaching career across Africa, having led multiple national teams, including Gambia, where he made history by guiding them to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, reaching the quarter-finals.

Earlier on Thursday, Saintfiet stepped down as head coach of the Philippines after a challenging tenure that saw him lose all four matches he oversaw.

The Belgian faces a tough task with Mali, as the team is currently dealing with internal strife, with several key players boycotting the national team. The unrest was sparked when team captain Hamari Traore was suspended by the national football federation after publicly criticizing the association. In solidarity, several other players also withdrew from the squad.

Mali has been struggling in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sitting fourth in Group I, trailing group leaders Comoros by four points.

Saintfiet's tenure will begin after Mali's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Eswatini.