The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) has appointed Anthony Da Silva as the new coach of the national team, marking a new era for the team. Da Silva, a 45-year-old French-Portuguese coach, was named in June 2026 on a three-year contract. His mission is to renew the team, install a new playing style, and help Mali make progress on the continental stage. Femafoot's objectives for Da Silva include renovation, performance, and long-term work.
Da Silva has a background as a player, having played for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chaves, and CFR Cluj. He began his coaching career as an assistant in Portugal before moving to lower divisions. In 2019, he joined the Cameroon national team's staff, working under António Conceição. Da Silva participated in the 2021 CAN, where Cameroon finished third. This experience prepared him for the challenges of coaching a national team in Africa.
Da Silva's coaching style emphasizes intensity without the ball, aggression after losing possession, and quick transitions. He prefers a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation but prioritizes adapting to his team's strengths over imposing a specific system. His approach focuses on controlling the game through possession and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. The Malian team's characteristics, with their powerful midfield and rapid forwards, align well with Da Silva's tactics.
Femafoot selected Da Silva after a thorough recruitment process, choosing him for his project that matched their objectives. His role extends beyond the national team, as he is tasked with developing Malian football, monitoring the local championship, and promoting young players. Da Silva is required to reside in Bamako to observe the championship and work with the national technical direction.
Da Silva's first squad list for the CAN 2027 qualifiers reflects his intention to renovate the team. He has called up 26 players, prioritizing current performance over past achievements or status. His selection criteria include playing time, form, discipline, versatility, and ability to integrate into the team. Da Silva aims to gradually rejuvenate the squad while retaining experienced players to guide the new generation.
The coach emphasizes the importance of commitment and collective spirit over individual ambitions. He wants players who are fully invested in the team and willing to put the collective above personal interests. This approach may lead to changes in the team's hierarchy, with Da Silva open to selecting players based on merit rather than established status.
As Mali prepares for the CAN 2027 qualifiers, fans and analysts will be watching to see how Da Silva's project unfolds. With his experience, tactical approach, and focus on team development, the new coach has set ambitious goals for the team. The coming months will reveal whether his vision and methods will bring success to Malian football.
Key points
- Anthony Da Silva appointed as new Mali coach with a three-year contract.
- Da Silva's objectives include renovating the team, installing a new playing style, and achieving success in CAN 2027 qualifiers.
- The coach emphasizes commitment, collective spirit, and merit-based selection.
