Mali were seconds away from reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Afcon before conceding a late equaliser against tournament hosts Ivory Coast, who then scored again deep into extra time to eliminate their West African neighbours.

With top talents such as Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, RB Salzburg winger Nene Dorgeles and Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko at his disposal, Saintfiet says his main challenge is to build a cohesive starting XI.

“It’s a big luxury to have so many quality players,” said the man who led The Gambia to the quarter-finals of Afcon on the nation’s debut in 2022.

“I have so much choice for all positions, so many alternatives.

“It’s not selecting the best players, it’s selecting the best team. That’s now the task.

“We are going to try everything in the coming six qualifiers – two at home, four away – to write history.”

After this month’s fixtures, the final four group games will be split across September and October.

The four best-ranked second-placed sides across all 10 groups will then enter play-offs which will provide one African team with a final chance to book a spot at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA via an intercontinental qualifier.