Mali manager Anthony Da Silva says his side must play on the front foot while maintaining the discipline needed to handle difficult matches.
The Eagles began their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with victories over Cape Verde (3-1) and Liberia (1-0), before drawing 1-1 with Morocco in a friendly in Tangier.
“Our ambition is to have a team that takes the initiative, plays forward and remains disciplined,” Da Silva told SNA. “With me, attitude is not negotiable.”
Da Silva said the results from his first international window were encouraging, but insisted the team’s development mattered more than its unbeaten start.
“We won two important matches and drew with a very good Morocco side, but we have only begun to establish certain foundations,” he said. “There is still a lot to improve in our football, our behaviour and our mentality.”
The contrast between the 3-1 win against Cape Verde and the more difficult victory in Liberia did not concern him. Da Silva said Mali needed to adapt to opponents and conditions without abandoning its identity.
“A team that wants to go far must know how to win in different ways,” he said. “Some matches will bring many chances, while others will require patience, solidity and a willingness to suffer. Difficulty must lead us to solutions, not panic.”
He wants Mali to have the ball when possible, press when the circumstances allow and threaten opponents in transition. However, the coach also aims to build around the strengths of his players rather than impose unsuitable demands.
The squad’s hierarchy remains open, he added. Previous experience is respected but does not guarantee selection, while newcomers can earn their place through work.
“The past does not give anyone status,” said Da Silva. “Competition must be healthy and must lift everyone.”
Ange Tia scored on his debut against Cape Verde, but Da Silva said the forward’s contribution should not be judged only by his goal. He also highlighted the need to find the right midfield balance among Amadou Haidara, Mamadou Sangare, Kamory Doumbia and Lassana Coulibaly, whose qualities range from building attacks to winning the ball and breaking lines.
The draw with Morocco offered a test against a higher-level opponent and showed Mali could compete, although Da Silva identified weaknesses in managing periods without control, maintaining pressing intensity, improving efficiency and closing out matches when ahead.
Mali scored four goals and conceded one in the first two qualifying matches, but Da Silva said those figures were not enough to satisfy him.
“Balance begins with collective behaviour,” he said. “When we lose the ball, everyone must be involved; when we have it, everyone must offer a solution.”
With six points from six, Mali have made a strong start in the race to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027. Da Silva, however, said nothing had been decided and urged “discipline, humility and ambition” until the end.
He wants supporters to see a team with character, generosity and courage, while remaining intelligent enough to adapt without losing its identity.
“Our ambition must be great, but it must always be accompanied by work,” he said.
