Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet Plays Down Pitch Concerns Ahead of Ghana Showdow
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet says the condition of the playing surface will not affect his team’s mindset as they prepare to face Ghana in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Belgian trainer, who took charge of the Eagles in 2024, dismissed concerns about the pitch, insisting that results are determined by performance and mentality rather than the state of the field.
“For me, pitches don’t win or lose games. It’s about the players, their focus, their execution of the plan. We have trained on all kinds of surfaces in Africa, so it is nothing new,” Saintfiet told reporters at his pre-match briefing.
The coach acknowledged that Ghana will pose a serious test, especially after being held 1-1 by Chad in their last outing, but expressed confidence in his side’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We know Ghana are strong, they have quality and experience, but so do we. We respect them but we are not afraid. Our objective is to come here and fight for a result that keeps us in the race for qualification,” he added.
With Comoros closing the gap in Group I after their 2-0 win over the Central African Republic, both Ghana and Mali go into Monday’s clash under pressure to secure maximum points. Saintfiet, however, urged his players to keep calm and focus on their game plan.
“The World Cup qualifiers are about consistency. One result can change the group standings quickly, but what matters is how we respond. We are ready to give everything,” he said.
Mali sit four points behind Ghana in Group I in third position and a win will definitely put their qualification hopes for a first world cup back on track.