I’m not the type of coach who talks about pitches- Mali Coach
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has played down concerns about the state of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch as his side prepares to face Ghana in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday, September 5.
His comments follow recent concerns raised by Ghana coach Otto Addo, who lamented the state of the surface when the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw against Chad in N’Djamena last week. Addo suggested that the poor pitch condition had made it difficult for his team to impose their game.
Speaking at his pre-match press briefing, the Belgian tactician insisted that he is not one to complain about pitch conditions, stressing that both teams will compete 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 told the media.
“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.”
The readiness of the Accra Sports Stadium for top-level international matches has since become a point of public debate, with many questioning its suitability to host high-profile qualifiers.
Saintfiet, however, made it clear that his focus remains firmly on the task ahead, with little interest in external factors.
Mali go into the encounter hoping to upset the Black Stars on their own turf and boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ghana, on the other hand, are desperate for maximum points to strengthen their grip on Group I.
