Exactly one month after formally signing his contract, Anthony Da Silva held his inaugural press conference in Bamako on July 6, 2026. The newly appointed head coach of the Aigles du Mali presented a comprehensive project built upon demanding standards, a clear team identity, and a distinctive playing philosophy.
The strategic direction is now firmly established. Anthony Da Silva aims to forge a competitive and inclusive national team, all while adhering to unambiguous principles. His overarching ambition is to instill a consistent methodology, unwavering discipline, and a high-performance culture within the squad.
“I will dedicate myself completely and give my all to restore joy to the Malian people. This journey will not be easy; we will proceed step by step,” he declared, delivering a message that was both cautious and boldly ambitious.
To achieve these objectives, the coach intends to clarify the criteria for selection to the national team. The prerequisites are clear: “patriotism, which is non-negotiable, discipline, also non-negotiable, along with consistent performance and a positive mindset.”
An open yet demanding selection process
Anthony Da Silva affirmed that the door to the national team will remain open to all eligible players, without differentiating between those competing in the local league and expatriates. “As long as players meet the criteria we have defined, whether they play domestically or abroad, and regardless of whether they are 17 or 35 years old, they will be considered for selection,” he emphasized.
On the field, the new leader of the Aigles desires a more proactive and assertive team. His tactical vision is straightforward: seize the initiative, maintain possession, and dictate the pace of the game. “I prefer my teams to be protagonists, to control the ball, because it is our responsibility to set the rhythm.” In the final third, Da Silva seeks a “more clinical” side, convinced that this precision has been lacking for Mali in recent years.
CAN 2027 as the initial challenge
This ambitious project must quickly translate into tangible results. Beginning this September, the qualifiers for the CAN 2027 will present the new coach with his first significant test. Mali is set to compete in a group that includes Cape Verde, a team that delivered a strong World Cup performance by remaining undefeated in regulation time against football powerhouses Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina, as well as Liberia and Rwanda.
To ensure a successful start, Anthony Da Silva is also banking on daily collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and the National Technical Directorate. “This is a collective effort,” he reiterated, before summarizing his commitment with three core values: “honesty, transparency, and immense hard work.”