Portuguese Anthony da Silva has been appointed as Mali national football team coach, a week after Congolese Florent Ibenge snubbed the Eagles’ hot seat.
The Federation of Mali Football (FEMAFOOT) had earlier announced the appointment of the former AS Vita SC and Al Hilal Omdurman mentor Ibenge to the job.
However, the current Tanzania’s AZAM FC mentor made a U-turn, saying he could pick the Mali job due to family reasons.
Now on Friday, FEMAFOOT unveiled the 45-year-old former defender as the new man in charge to replace Belgian Tom Sainfiet who threw in the towel.
“FEMAFOOT informs the nation and the sporting community that, in accordance with the conclusions of the recruitment process launched for the position of national selector of the Eagles of Mali between April 28 and May 26, 2026, the final selection of the Executive Committee has been on a project presented by Anthony da Silva,” reads the statement issued by spokesperson Alassane Souleymane
“The Executive Committee will ensure firmly that the roadmap of the new technical staff is fully in line with the vision of the elected mandate on April 16, whose main objective remains to meet the strong expectations of the Malian sporting public.”
The Mali FA has since outlined the mandate of Anthony da Silva ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage qualifying matches.
MALI TARGETS
The new Eagles mentor has been tasked with ‘achieving high-level results in African and world competitions, contributing to the development of the national championship, promoting and supporting local talents.’
The French-born coach is expected to name a Malian assistant coach ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, having been drawn in Group K alongside Liberia, Rwanda and Cape Verde.
Anthony da Silva has worked with many clubs in Portugal and France and his experience in Africa includes working as Cameroon national team video analyst under compatriot Toni Conceição between 2019 and 2022.
IMAGE: © FEMAFOOT MEDIA