Anthony Da Silva charts a new course for Mali’s Aigles
One month after officially signing his contract, Anthony Da Silva made his inaugural appearance before the press on July 6, 2026, in Bamako. The newly appointed head coach for the national team, known as the Aigles, meticulously outlined an ambitious project rooted in high standards, a distinct identity, and an engaging style of play.
The strategic direction is now firmly established. Anthony Da Silva is committed to forging a competitive and inclusive squad, all while upholding a set of unambiguous principles. His primary objective is to instill a consistent methodology, rigorous discipline, and a deep-seated culture of peak performance within the team.
“I pledge to give my absolute best and dedicate myself entirely to bringing joy back to the Malian people. It will not be an easy journey; we will progress step by step,” he stated, delivering a message that was both cautiously optimistic and profoundly ambitious.
To realize this vision, the national coach intends to clarify the precise criteria for selection to the national team. The benchmarks are clear: “patriotism, which is non-negotiable; discipline, equally non-negotiable; performance; and a strong team spirit.”
An inclusive yet demanding selection process
Anthony Da Silva affirmed that the door to the national team will remain open to all eligible players, irrespective of whether they play locally or abroad. “Provided players meet the criteria we have established, whether they compete in the local championship or internationally, 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 aims for a more proactive and assertive team. His philosophy is unequivocal: seize the initiative, maintain possession, and dictate the game’s tempo. “I prefer my teams to be protagonists in the match, to control the ball, because it is our responsibility to set the pace.” In the final third, Da Silva seeks a more “clinical” attacking force, convinced that this crucial element has been lacking for Mali in recent years.
CAN 2027: The initial proving ground
This comprehensive project must swiftly translate into tangible results. Beginning this September, the qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2027 will present the new coach with his first significant challenge. Mali finds itself in a group alongside Cape Verde, a team that delivered a strong World Cup performance by remaining undefeated in regular time against formidable opponents like Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina, as well as Liberia and Rwanda.
To ensure a successful start, Anthony Da Silva is also banking on consistent collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and the National Technical Directorate. “This is a collective effort,” he reiterated, before encapsulating his commitment in three core values: “honesty, transparency, and a great deal of hard work.”
