Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has disclosed that he came close to landing the Black Stars job before the Ghana Football Association (GFA) opted for another candidate.
Speaking in an interview, Saintfiet revealed that he held a lengthy discussion with the GFA about the coaching role but was ultimately overlooked.
“I spoke to the GFA for four hours about the Black Stars job but they decided to go for someone else,” he said. “I was very close to the job.”
Saintfiet, who has vast experience managing across Africa and Europe, is now leading Mali into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His comments come just as his team prepares to face Ghana in a crucial encounter, adding extra spice to the fixture.
The Belgian tactician’s revelation has sparked renewed debate about Ghana’s coaching decisions in recent years, especially as the Black Stars continue their search for stability and consistent success on the international stage.
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