Mali Coach Saintfiet Highlights Only One Issue With Morocco as Regragui Targets AFCON 2025 Glory

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Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has commended Morocco for its excellent staging of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), noting that the only real discomfort his team has faced relates to the weather.

Speaking during the ongoing tournament, Saintfiet said that high temperatures and occasional rainfall were the only challenges the squad had encountered—factors he emphasized were beyond human control.

“This AFCON has been fantastic so far. I’ve always admired Morocco for its ability to host major sporting competitions. It’s a beautiful country with quality hotels, impressive stadiums, and outstanding training pitches,” Saintfiet told CAFOnline.

“Overall, I am very satisfied with this AFCON. The only slight issue is the heat and the rain, but those things are not within our control.

“I can say it’s a very well-organised tournament with a great atmosphere. The supporters are extremely friendly and positive everywhere we go.”

Mali now prepare for a high-stakes AFCON 2025 quarter-final meeting with Senegal at 5 p.m. today, January 9.

While visiting nations continue to applaud Morocco’s organisational efforts, the host country’s confidence is also rising.

Morocco manager Walid Regragui has openly expressed belief that the Atlas Lions can lift the AFCON trophy on home soil this year.

Ahead of their quarter-final clash with Cameroon, Regragui remained optimistic yet respectful, insisting his team understands the difficulty of the task ahead.

“We are humble, but we believe we can win this Cup of Nations,” Regragui said.

“Cameroon needs no introduction. We know the match will be tough once again.”