Anthony Da Silva says Mali are determined to “mark the history” of the national team after an unbeaten first international window under the new manager.

Appointed in June, Da Silva made an impressive start in September as the Aigles opened their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign with victories over Cape Verde and Liberia before drawing 1-1 with Morocco in a friendly.

Mali beat the World Cup qualifiers 3-1 in Bamako and followed that result with a valuable 1-0 win away to Liberia. They then held Morocco on home soil, producing a performance which caused significant problems for a side widely regarded as Africa’s best at present.

The results have encouraged Da Silva, but the former’s main satisfaction comes from the way his players performed and the early signs of progress in implementing his ideas.

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi praised Mali after the friendly, describing them as “a very good team” who had “put us in difficulty”.

Those comments pleased Da Silva, although he insists the most important aspect is the collective development of his squad and the foundations being laid during his early months in charge.

Mali have yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations or qualify for a World Cup. Da Silva believes the current generation has the ability to overcome both obstacles, and uses that ambition to motivate his players during international camps.

“We want to mark the history of Mali,” said the manager, whose plans extend beyond the team’s immediate qualifying matches.

Tia absence does not alter Da Silva’s plans

One of the most positive features of the September squad was the emergence of Ange-Martial Tia.

The 19-year-old Stade de Reims player made an immediate impression on his first appearances for the national team, scoring twice and adding pace and attacking directness. Da Silva took the decision to introduce him before handing him a starting place and has already been convinced by the youngster’s potential.

Tia is still injured and has withdrawn from Mali’s squad for the two matches against Rwanda on 13 and 17 November. The fixtures form part of the third and fourth rounds of CAN 2027 qualifying.

His absence, however, has not changed Da Silva’s view of the player or the role he expects him to have in Mali’s development. Tia was part of the side that won the bronze medal at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The manager’s first camp has therefore delivered encouraging results, an emerging playing identity and the integration of young talent. Da Silva is avoiding complacency, but his ambitions are clear: he wants to take Mali towards the top of African football and give this generation a lasting place in the country’s football history.

The next test comes against Rwanda, with Mali seeking further evidence that Da Silva’s project is moving in the right direction.

Anthony Da Silva’s comments were collected by Alexis Fonseca.