The new coach sets the stage for the Aigles du Mali
Exactly one month into his tenure as head coach of the Aigles du Mali, Anthony Da Silva made his first official appearance before the media in Bamako. During the press conference held on July 6, 2026, he unveiled a clear roadmap centered on excellence, identity, and performance.
The Portuguese tactician outlined a vision rooted in discipline, structure, and a winning mentality. « My mission is to restore pride and joy to Malian football. It’s a journey that demands patience and perseverance, but we’re ready to take it step by step, » he declared with conviction.
Building a competitive team with unwavering standards
Da Silva’s approach combines openness with strict criteria. The selection process will prioritize four key pillars: unwavering patriotism, impeccable discipline, strong performances, and a winning mindset. These non-negotiable foundations will guide every decision, whether scouting local talent or recruiting players from abroad.
The coach emphasized that age or league affiliation won’t limit opportunities: « If a player meets our criteria—whether they’re 17 or 35, playing in Mali or overseas—they have a chance to wear the national colors. » His goal is to create a unified, high-caliber squad that reflects Mali’s footballing potential.
A playing style built on control and precision
On the pitch, Da Silva envisions an assertive, possession-based style. He stressed the importance of dictating the tempo: « My teams must be protagonists, keeping the ball and controlling the game. » In the final third, he’s pushing for a « killer instinct, » a quality he believes has been missing in recent years.
The coach’s tactical blueprint aims to transform the Aigles into a team that dominates matches and sets the standard for West African football.
The CAN 2027 qualifiers: a defining challenge
The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins in September, when Mali faces a tough group including Cape Verde, Liberia, and Rwanda. Cape Verde, notably, boasts an impressive World Cup pedigree, having held Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina to draws in regulation time.
Da Silva is relying on close collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and the National Technical Directorate to navigate this high-stakes campaign. « This is a collective effort, » he noted, summarizing his philosophy in three words: « honesty, transparency, and relentless work. »
From vision to action
The coming months will test Da Silva’s ability to translate words into results. With a clear plan and high expectations, the Aigles du Mali are poised to embark on a new era—one built on ambition, discipline, and a return to glory.