Eagles revive World Cup dreams after dumping 1-win-in-4 wonder Chelle – now Nigeria's coach

The Eagles of Mali have reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup aspirations with a commanding 3-0 victory over Comoros in a qualifier played on neutral ground in Morocco, marking a winning start to life under new head coach Tom Saintfiet. 

The West African side, which had languished under former manager Eric Chelle—now at the helm of Nigeria’s Super Eagles—showed renewed vigour as they dispatched a Comoros team that had been one of the surprises of the campaign. 

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Chelle, sacked by Mali last year after securing just one win in four Group I matches, left the Eagles in a precarious position, but his departure has proven to be a turning point.

Kamory Doumbia emerged as the hero of the night, netting a brace in a performance that showed Mali’s attacking prowess and signalled their intent to compete for a maiden World Cup berth. 

The third goal sealed a comprehensive win that has thrust Mali back into contention in a tightly contested group. 

After five matches, the Eagles now sit fourth in Group I with eight points, but just two behind leaders Madagascar and one shy of both Ghana and Comoros. 

With the African preliminaries reaching the halfway mark, the race for the continent’s nine guaranteed spots in the expanded 48-team tournament remains wide open, and Mali’s resurgence adds intrigue to the battle.

Saintfiet, who took the reins from Chelle, has injected fresh hope into a talented squad that includes stars like Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma and RB Salzburg’s Nene Dorgeles. 

The Belgian tactician, known for his stints with various African nations, is determined to guide Mali to their first-ever World Cup finals, a feat that has eluded the footballing nation despite its rich talent pool. 

The victory over Comoros, a side that had been riding high with three wins in their first four games, was a statement of intent. 

Mali’s defence, which conceded just once in six Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year, stood firm, while their attack clicked with ruthless efficiency. 

For Comoros, the defeat dents their momentum, though they remain in the qualification hunt. 

Meanwhile, Chelle, now tasked with reviving Nigeria’s faltering campaign after a winless start to their qualifiers, might be left to rue what could have been with Mali.

As the road to the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues, Mali’s resurgence under Saintfiet offers a glimmer of hope for a nation eager to shed its underachiever tag. 

With five games left, including a crucial clash against Central African Republic next, the Eagles are soaring once more, and their World Cup dreams are very much alive. Over to you Chelle and the Super Eagles.