A certain African nation has confirmed that they have sacked their coach following disappointing results in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Matchday three and four of the the CAF World Cup qualifiers delivered some thrilling action, as nations did battle for a spot at the expanded tournament.
Nine African nations will qualify for the new 48-team format in North America, with the winner of each of the nine CAF qualifying groups guaranteed an automatic spot at the global showpiece.
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With just four qualifying matches played so far for each team, Mali have now sacked manager Eric Chelle after a run of disappointing results.
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"The executive committee of the Malian Football Federation, meeting in extraordinary session today, unanimously decided, with the agreement of the supervisory authority, to end the collaboration between the coach of the Team National Senior, Mr. Eric Sékou Chelle and Femafoot," reads a statement by the Mali FA on X.
"The Executive Committee thanks the person concerned for the efforts made at the head of the Eagles.
"In addition, Femafoot extends its thanks to the highest authorities, in particular the Department in charge of Sports, for their constant support in favor of the National Teams."
#Communiqué pic.twitter.com/OzdPkDAwot
— FEMAFOOT (@femafoot) June 13, 2024
Mali sit four points adrift of Group I table-toppers Comoros with six matches still remaining. On 6 June, they were beaten 2-1 by Ghana on home soil and just five days later they were held to a 0-0 draw by Madagascar.
Chelle was appointed by Mali in May 2022 and interestingly, he has a respectable record of 13 wins, five draws, and just three defeats in 21 matches.
A report by Afrika Foot also claims that there's interest in the 46-year-old from France, with FC Metz said to be a potential next destination for the Ivory Coast-born tactician.
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