Mali head coach, Tom Saintfiet
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has brushed aside concerns about the condition of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch ahead of his side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana on Monday, September 5.
Speaking to the press before the encounter, the Belgian trainer stressed that he is not the type of coach to dwell on pitch conditions, insisting that both teams will play under the same circumstances.
“I have only seen pictures of the pitch. I am not the type of coach who talks about pitches and those circumstances,” Saintfiet said.
“The pitch is for both teams and at the same level. We played on different pitches 10 years ago. 20 years ago, we played on different pitches.”
His remarks come after Ghana coach Otto Addo previously raised concerns over the same venue when the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Chad a few days ago.
Addo, at the time, pointed to the poor state of the surface as one of the challenges his side faced in breaking down their opponents.
The condition of the Accra Sports Stadium has since become a subject of debate, with sections of the public questioning its readiness for high-profile international fixtures.
Mali, however, appear unfazed, with Saintfiet making it clear that his focus remains solely on the game.
The Eagles will aim to upset the Black Stars, who are desperate for maximum points at home to keep their qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico firmly on track.
