A country with Ghana's quality should be winning the AFCON soon - Mali coach Tom Saintfiet

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has heaped praise on Ghana’s talent pool, insisting that a country with such quality must soon return to the summit of African football.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium, Saintfiet said he finds it surprising that Ghana has endured a 43-year wait for another continental title.

The Black Stars, who have not lifted the Africa Cup of Nations since 1982, boast attacking options such as Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Inaki Williams, and Ibrahim Osman.

Yet despite the calibre of players, Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON after group-stage exits in the previous two editions.

“Mostly offensive, so much quality. You can say we focus on one, but then you miss two or three others who can score goals. Young players, but also one very experienced striker, maybe two very experienced strikers at a high level,” Saintfiet told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“So it will be a very tough task. I have huge respect for the Ghanaian team. I really believe they have everything. It's shocking that they won’t play in the AFCON, because a country like Ghana must become African champion in the near future with all this quality.”

Ghana currently lead Group I with 16 points, one clear of Comoros, three ahead of Madagascar, and four above Mali.