Mali coach Tom Saintfiet eyes Europa League duo for World Cup qualifiers

Tom Saintfiet has taken steps to strengthen the Mali national team by meeting with Mamady Diarra and Soumaïla Magassouba, two standout players from Sheriff Tiraspol, during his scouting tour in the Netherlands.

The Belgian coach was present during Sheriff’s UEFA Europa League second preliminary round clash against Dutch side Utrecht last Thursday—a fixture that ended in a heavy 4–1 defeat for the Moldovan club, completing a 7–2 loss on aggregate.

Despite the result, Saintfiet focused his attention on Diarra, a 25-year-old winger, and Magassouba, a 21-year-old central defender, who both featured prominently in the campaign.

After the match, Saintfiet was photographed with the two players, further fuelling speculation about their potential inclusion in Mali’s upcoming national squad. The image was shared by local outlet Les Aigles Du Mali, suggesting the coach’s interest has progressed beyond observation.

The timing of this scouting mission is no coincidence. Mali are preparing for a crucial stretch in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with back-to-back fixtures against Comoros and Ghana scheduled for early September.

The Eagles currently sit fourth in their group, three points adrift of Comoros, who occupy second place and are on course for a playoff spot, and six points behind group leaders Ghana, who would secure automatic qualification if standings remain unchanged.

Both Diarra and Magassouba are seen as promising additions to the squad, especially considering their recent performances at club level. Diarra has featured in seven matches this season, starting six of them, since his summer move to Sheriff Tiraspol from ETO FC.

Magassouba, who arrived in the spring from Stade Malien, has already made nine appearances, starting eight, and has shown considerable maturity for his age in central defence.

The two players offer a blend of youth, athleticism, and hunger—qualities Saintfiet may need as he looks to bolster the squad’s depth for the demanding qualifiers ahead.

Their club form in European competition, albeit in a losing effort, has drawn attention and appears to have convinced the Mali technical team that they could be ready for the step up to international football.

If selected, Diarra and Magassouba could earn their first international call-ups, marking a significant personal milestone and potentially injecting fresh energy into the national side. While Saintfiet has not officially confirmed their inclusion, the recent meeting suggests both players are firmly on his radar.

With Mali’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance, every addition could prove pivotal. As the squad prepares for what may be a defining chapter in its World Cup journey, the decisions made over the coming weeks—including whether to integrate these two Europa League prospects—could shape the nation’s footballing fortunes.

Tom Saintfiet s’est rendu a Utrecht pour suivre le match de deux joueurs maliens

Il s’agit de l’ailier Mamady Diarra et du défenseur central Soumaïla Magassouba ???????? pic.twitter.com/rIIhoJR1uK

— Les Aigles Du Mali ???????????? (@AiglesDuMali_) August 1, 2025