Mali have long been regular contenders at the Africa Cup, renowned for their talented generations and attractive style of play. Yet, the West African side still lack that one defining triumph: their first-ever title. With a new head coach at the helm and experienced leaders in the squad, the Eagles arrive at AFCON 2025 determined to take the next step: transforming from eternal outsiders into genuine contenders.
- Nickname: The Eagles
- Head coach: Tom Saintfiet
- Football Association: Fédération Malienne de Football
- AFCON appearances: 14 times
- FIFA ranking: 54
Mali’s Match Schedule
Mali has been drawn into Group A, alongside Morocco, Zambia and the Comoros. Below is their full group stage schedule, including dates, times and venues. So you know exactly when to follow the Eagles.
| 22 December | 15:30 uur |
 Mali Zambia | Stade Mohammed V Matchday 1 |
| 26 December | 15:00 uur |
 Morocco Mali | Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Matchday 2 |
| 29 December | 18:30 uur |
 Comoros Mali | Stade Mohammed V Matchday 3 |
Road of 16 Scenarios
First place: If Mali tops Group A, they will face the best third-placed team from Group C, D, or E (Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda / Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, Senegal / Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan) at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.
Second place: If they finish second, they will meet the runner-up from Group C (Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
Best third place: If Mali qualifies as one of the best third-placed teams, there are two possible outcomes:
- If they finish above the third-placed team from Group C or D, they will face the winner of Group B (Angola, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe) at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
- If they finish above the third-placed team from Group B or F, they will face the winner of Group C (Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda) at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Mali Squad
The official squad list will be published here once announced.
| Keepers | |
| Defenders | |
| Midfielders | |
| Attackers | |
Head Coach Mali
Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet took charge in August 2024, succeeding Éric Sékou Chelle. Saintfiet is a familiar face in African football, having guided Gambia to a surprise quarter-final run at AFCON 2021 and being named CAF Coach of the Year in 2022. Known for his organizational skills and ability to build cohesive teams, he now leads Mali into a new era.
Star Player Mali
Yves Bissouma is undoubtedly the standout name in Mali’s current squad. The dynamic midfielder has been a key figure at Tottenham Hotspur since 2022, where his strength, technique and box-to-box presence have made him indispensable. Previously at Brighton & Hove Albion, he developed into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders. His club career reflects steady growth, defined by tireless energy, smart ball recoveries and the ability to dictate the rhythm of matches.
For Mali, Bissouma is equally invaluable. Bringing Premier League experience, composure and leadership, he has become the face of the national team and a source of inspiration for younger players. What makes him special is not just his physicality and vision, but also his daring flair and willingness to take risks. These are qualities that make him a fan favorite and a key figure in Mali’s pursuit of glory.
Mali AFCON History
Since their debut in 1972, Mali have built a proud yet sometimes unpredictable record at the Africa Cup. Their very first appearance saw them reach the final, where they narrowly lost to Congo. Over the years, the Eagles have frequently been competitive, finishing fourth in both 2002 and 2004, and earning back-to-back bronze medals in 2012 and 2013. At the most recent edition in 2023, Mali reached the quarter-finals and once again underlining their consistency as a strong force just short of the ultimate prize. The pattern is clear: the Eagles are often close, but the long-awaited trophy still eludes them.
Road to AFCON 2025
Mali’s qualification campaign was a show of strength. Drawn with Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and Eswatini, the Eagles lived up to their status as favorites. They remained unbeaten, topping the group with 14 points and a +9 goal difference. Defensively, they were rock solid, conceding just one goal in six games, while their attacking intent was on display in a 6–0 victory over Eswatini. It was a campaign that highlighted both balance and dominance, setting the stage for a confident challenge in Morocco.
| Friday 6 September 2024 | |
Mali Mozambique | 1 1 |
| Tuesday 10 September 2024 | |
 Eswatini Mali | 0 1 |
| Monday 7 October 2024 | |
Mali Guinea-Bissau | 1 0 |
| Monday 14 October 2024 | |
| Guinea-Bissau Mali | 0 0 |
| Monday 11 November 2024 | |
| Mozambique Mali | 0 1 |
| Tuesday 19 November 2024 | |
| Mali Eswatini | 6 0 |
| Team | PTS | G | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mali | 14 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | +9 |
| Mozambique | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | +4 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -2 |
| Eswatini | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -11 |
Stats
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nene Dorgeles | 3 |
| 2. | Yves Bissouma | 2 |
| 3. | El Bilal Touré | 2 |
| 4. | Kamory Doumbia | 2 |
| 5. | Mamadou Doumbia | 1 |
Assists
| Player | Assists | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Yves Bissouma | 2 |
| 2. | Fodé Doucouré | 1 |
| 3. | Mamadou Doumbia | 1 |
| 4. | Adama Malouda Traoré | 1 |
| 5. | Kamory Doumbia | 1 |
| 6. | Cheick Konate | 1 |
| 7. | Mamadou Sangare | 1 |
Players Rating
| Player | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nene Dorgeles | 8,5 |
| 2. | Kamory Doumbia | 8,3 |
| 3. | Cheick Konaté | 8,1 |
| 4. | Amadou Dante | 7,6 |
| 5. | Aliou Dieng | 7,5 |
| 6. | Sikou Niakaté | 7,4 |
| 7. | Fodé Doucouré | 7,3 |
| 8. | Yves Bissouma | 7,3 |
| 9. | Amady Camara | 7,3 |
| 10. | Mohamed Camara | 7,2 |