Eric Chelle, Mali Coach, Fired Following Losses to Ghana and Madagascar

The Malian Football Federation declared on Thursday, June 13, 2024, that head coach Eric Chelle has been dismissed from his role following a string of unsatisfactory performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This decision comes shortly after Mali’s goalless draw against a 10-man Madagascar in Johannesburg, a match where the Eagles were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority following Madagascar’s red card in the 16th minute.

Before this draw, Mali relinquished a one-goal advantage and lost 2-1 to the Black Stars, who had been experiencing difficulties in their recent matches.

“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 National Team Senior, Mr. Eric Sekou Chelle and the federation,” stated the official announcement.

Appointed as Mali’s head coach in May 2022, Chelle led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year. Despite this accomplishment, concerns arose after Mali failed to maintain their lead against the hosts, who were reduced to 10 men, resulting in a quarter-final exit.

Prior to assuming the role of national team coach, Chelle gained coaching experience with Martigues and Boulogne in the lower divisions of French football.