){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
BAR
){kind=small}
OSA
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
FCT
){kind=small}
SOF
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
MSU
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
BOC
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=logo}
STR
){kind=small}
LYON
){kind=small}
NAC
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
ULS
){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
TUF
){kind=small}
SHA
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=small}
VLL
){kind=small}
AFC
){kind=small}
KAK
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
EMP
){kind=small}
VEN
){kind=logo}
BOL
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
FCP
){kind=logo}
HSK
){kind=logo}
SVW
){kind=logo}
BMG
){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
HDH
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=logo}
ESP
){kind=small}
ATM
){kind=small}
SDR
){kind=small}
OM
)
The Eagles of Mali are back in business after proving too good for Comoros in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier away from home as life after Eric Chelle kicked off in stunning fashion.
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.
)
11:47 - 19.03.2025
'Africa's best team Super Eagles have too much quality to miss World Cup' - Chelle's successor Saintfiet
The man who replaced Eric Chelle in Mali believes it will be a big shock for Nigeria's Super Eagles not to be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the team has too much quality.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
)
07:28 - 20.03.2025
5 things Ademola Lookman revealed about Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles revolution
African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman spoke to the media about life under Eric Chelle in the Super Eagles after two training sessions ahead of the decisive 2026 WCQ.
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.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)