In an interview with the daily Record, Mali’s national team coach, Tom Saintfiet, reflected on Senegal’s impressive journey, recently crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Morocco (1-0). Despite his team’s elimination in the quarter-finals against the Lions of Teranga, the Belgian coach, a former professional player, did not hold back in praising the performance of the African champions.
For Saintfiet, Senegal is among “one of the best teams in the world.” He points out that the Lions have reached three finals in the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing remarkable consistency and quality of play. According to him, Mali’s defeat (1-0) in the quarter-finals is “respectable,” especially since his players had to play with ten men for 50 minutes, a significant handicap. The coach also mentions a penalty that was not awarded to his team, which he regrets, but emphasizes the cohesion and collective strength of the Senegalese, “from the goalkeeper to the forwards.”
Beyond these tactical considerations, Saintfiet delves into Senegal’s continental and international impact. He believes this team has all the qualities to transcend African borders and compete with the best nations in the world. He asserts that the Lions can aim for unprecedented success on the global stage, claiming that “Senegal can be the first African country to win the World Cup.” He points out that the presence of players in the most competitive European leagues is a major asset for the squad led by Pape Thiaw. These factors, combined with solid tactical discipline and an impeccable team spirit, make Senegal a formidable team, capable of standing toe-to-toe with the great footballing nations.
Saintfiet concludes his analysis by emphasizing the historical and symbolic significance of the Lions’ trajectory: the team no longer just dominates on the African continent, it now embodies the ambition to take a step forward on the world stage. The consistency, discipline, and talent of Senegalese players, he believes, could soon allow Senegal to achieve a historic feat and leave a lasting mark on football history.
Thus, even after being eliminated early from the competition, Mali, through its coach’s words, pays tribute to the quality and strength of the Senegalese national team, whose influence now extends far beyond African borders.
