New Mali coach Henri Stambouli is confident that his side will perform well at the forthcoming Nations Cup in Tunisia.
"I think this talented team can go very far. We will not go to Tunisia to make up the numbers," he told BBC Sport website.
"Our first objective is to get through the first round, and then to get as far as we can."
Stambouli recently signed a short-term contract with the Malian Football Federation, which could be renewed if the national team does well in Tunisia.
The Frenchman is aware of the high expectations that Malians fans have for the team.
But he insists that discipline will be a key factor in their
success.
"We can´t have a great team and a great Nations Cup finals without it.
"I am going to establish a program of team gatherings and friendly matches - and we will respect this program."
Stambouli, who was Switzerland´s coach of the year in 2000 but struggled in his last job with French club side Sedan, is delighted with the quality of the players he will manage.
"I am lucky that the spine of the team has come up through the ranks together, and has formed into a strong group."
"I know all the players of this team, and they are great, great players. There is no doubt that the team has immense potential."
