Eric Chelle: Mali Sack Coach After Stumbling in World Cup Qualifiers Against Ghana and Madagascar

• Former RC Lens defender Eric Chelle has been sacked as coach of the Mali national team
• The Eagles lost to Ghana and drew against Madagascar in the World Cup qualifiers in June
• Mali have won only one game in four matches, derailing their World Cup qualification hopes

The Malian Football Federation has sacked coach Eric Chelle after failing to win a game in the World Cup qualifiers in June.

The Eagles lost to the Black Stars of Ghana at home before drawing against Madagascar to leave them with five points after four matches in Group I.

The former defender has come under intense pressure following the team's quarter-final exit at the Africa Cup of Nations before a series of unconvincing results in the World Cup qualifiers.

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In a release by the federation on social media, the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to part ways with the gaffer after just two years in charge of the team.

Chelle was appointed head coach of Mali on May 7, 2022, replacing Mohammed Magassouba, whose contract was not renewed after losing to Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers play-off, as reported by ESPN.

A former player of Mali, Chelle spent most of his career in France where he played for Valenciennes and RC Lens. He started his coaching career in France, where he managed GS Consolat, FC Martigues and Boulogne in the lower divisions.

Meanwhile, Mali currently sits fifth in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers.

Ayew strikes late as Ghana beat Mali

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Jordan Ayew was Ghana's hero in Bamako after climbing off the bench to score a late winner as the Black Stars defeated Mali in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bamako on Thursday. June 6, 2024.

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Mali opened the scoring through Kamory Doumbia at the stroke of half-time but Ernest Nuamah responded after the break before Ayew netted the winner in extra-time.

The hosts made their intentions clear early in the game after winger Lassine Sinayoko pulled a great save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Moments later, the Saint Gallen shot-stopper was tested again as the Black Stars' defence was put under huge pressure, with Alexander Djiku intercepting a Falaye Sacko pass.