Sochaux' Senegalese headcoach Omar Daf looks on during the French Cup last-64 football match between Lille LOSC and Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille on January 7, 2019. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET / AFP)
Following his departure from Amiens in France, Senegalese football manager Omar Daf has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant position of head coach of the Mali national team. The former defender, now a free agent, is eager to take charge of the Aigles, who are in desperate need of fresh leadership after their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Malian Football Federation recently initiated a recruitment process following the dismissal of Tom Saintfiet, whose contract was terminated after Mali’s disappointing round-of-16 elimination. Multiple candidates are being considered for the role, with Daf emerging as a surprising yet compelling option.
Omar Daf, a seasoned former international for Senegal, boasts extensive club-level coaching experience in France, having managed teams such as Sochaux, Dijon, and Amiens. Despite his impressive track record, this would mark his first opportunity to lead a national team—a chance to elevate his coaching career to new heights.
While the competition remains fierce, insiders confirm that Daf is among the frontrunners for the position. The Malian Football Federation is expected to announce its decision in the coming weeks, as the nation seeks a new direction for its football future.
