Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has lauded Morocco’s organisation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), noting that the only minor challenges for his team have been the weather conditions.
Speaking during the ongoing tournament, Saintfiet said the high temperatures and occasional rainfall were the only issues they had faced, emphasising that such factors were beyond anyone’s control.
“It’s been a fantastic AFCON so far. I’ve always admired Morocco for its ability to host major sporting events. It’s a beautiful country with excellent hotels, top-class stadiums, and great training pitches,” Saintfiet told CAFOnline.
“Overall, I’m very happy with this AFCON. The only small concern is the heat and rain, but that’s out of our hands. It’s a very well-organised tournament with a fantastic atmosphere, and the fans are very positive in the streets.”
Mali will face Senegal in a quarter-final clash later today, January 9, at 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s preparations have also received praise from visiting teams, and confidence remains high in the host camp. Head coach Walid Regragui expressed belief that the Atlas Lions can win the trophy on home soil.
Ahead of their quarter-final match against Cameroon, Regragui maintained an optimistic but cautious approach, stressing the importance of respecting their opponents.
“We have the humility to believe that we can win this Cup of Nations,” Regragui said. “Cameroon needs no introduction. We know it’s going to be another tough challenge.”