The new coach’s first press appearance in Bamako
Exactly one month after signing his contract, Anthony Da Silva held his inaugural press conference in Bamako on July 6, 2026, outlining his vision for Mali’s national football team, known as the Aigles. The Portuguese coach presented a structured project built on three core pillars: excellence, identity, and playing style.
A disciplined yet inclusive approach
Da Silva’s strategy centers on establishing clear rules while maintaining an open-door policy. His first priority is to instill a culture of discipline, performance, and professionalism within the team. « My goal is to restore pride and joy to Malian football fans, » he declared, acknowledging the challenges ahead but emphasizing a step-by-step approach.
Strict selection criteria for the Aigles
The coach made it clear that while the selection process will remain inclusive, certain non-negotiable criteria must be met. « Patriotism is non-negotiable, as is discipline, » he stated. Players, whether based in Mali or abroad, will be judged solely on their alignment with these principles and their performance on the field. Age is irrelevant—talent and commitment are what matter.
Building a dynamic and attacking team
On the pitch, Da Silva envisions an assertive Mali team that takes control of the game. « I want my teams to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, » he explained. His tactical philosophy emphasizes proactive football, with the team keeping the ball and dictating play. In the final third, he stresses the need for a more clinical edge, a quality he believes has been lacking in recent years.
The CAN 2027 qualifiers: the first major test
The coach’s ambitious project will face its first real test in September 2026, when Mali kicks off its campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers. The group, considered tough, includes Cape Verde—a team that impressed at the World Cup by remaining unbeaten in regulation time against football powerhouses Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina—alongside Liberia and Rwanda. Da Silva is fully aware of the challenge but remains confident in his team’s potential to rise to the occasion.
A collective effort with the Malian Football Federation
To achieve his goals, the new coach is committed to close collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and the national technical team. « This is a collective effort, » he noted, summarizing his approach with three words: « honesty, transparency, and hard work. »
