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The Malian Football Federation announced on Thursday, June 13, 2024, that head coach Eric Chelle has been relieved of his duties after a series of disappointing performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
This decision comes just days after Mali’s goalless draw against a 10-man Madagascar in Johannesburg, a match that saw the Eagles fail to capitalise on their numerical advantage following a red card to Madagascar in the 16th minute.
Prior to this draw, Mali squandered a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to the Black Stars, who had been struggling in their recent games.Jordan Ayew scores to end Ghana’s winless run in Mali win
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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 National Team Senior, Mr. Eric Sekou Chelle and the federation,” stated the official announcement.
Eric Chelle, 46, has a diverse background, born in Ivory Coast to a French father and Malian mother, and raised in France. His playing career was primarily based in France, where he also earned five international caps for Mali between 2004 and 2006.
Appointed as Mali’s head coach in May 2022, Chelle guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year. Despite this achievement, the quarter-final exit raised concerns as Mali failed to hold onto their lead against the hosts, who were down to 10 men.
📌La #CAN2023 es única🥲🤦🏻♂️:
Mali🇲🇱 queda eliminada de la Copa África por Costa de Marfil🇨🇮 en el 122’. Su técnico, Eric Chelle, se derrumba. Y a su ayudante no se le ocurre otra cosa que vaciarle una botella de agua en la cabeza… pic.twitter.com/2ORufqMtW9
— La cara B del futbol (@lacarabfutbol_) February 4, 2024
Before taking the helm of the national team, Chelle’s coaching experience was with Martigues and Boulogne in the French lower divisions.
Life without Eric Chelle
Mali currently sit fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with five points, trailing Comoros and Ghana by four points.Chelle’s successor faces a challenging task ahead, needing to rejuvenate the team and secure Mali’s first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026.
The search for a new head coach is now underway, with the Malian Football Federation aiming to find a leader capable of steering the Eagles towards their World Cup ambitions.
