Mali have appointed Mohamed Magassouba as caretaker coach of the national team.

He replaces Alain Giresse at the helm -a day after the Frenchman resignation-and will be assisted by former Malian international Fousseyni Diawara.

Giresse resigned on Thursday days after unexpected “elimination” from race to 2018 Russia World Cup after a 6-0 thrashing by Morocco.

Magassouba is the current national team technical director and will be incharge of the upcoming two World Cup qualifiers.

“Updates on the announcement of the new head trainer will be given over the coming weeks” FEMAFOOT said in a statement.

“FEMAFOOT wishes to thank Alain Giresse for the work undertaken during his time as coach of the Eagles.

Magassouba expressed that he is ready for the task ahead and thanked Giresse for the work he did with the national team.

“I will take it up with both hands and I know the challenges ahead and I would like to thank my predecessor who put the team in place,” Magassouba is quoted as saying by Mali Foot.

“My task I know is a huge one but it is lighter already because players are already there.”

Mali will face Côte d’Ivoire on 6 October 2017, at the Stade du 26 March, to count the fifth match day of the World Cup qualifiers. The Eagles will be in Gabon in November to face Panthers, to count the 6th and final day of the World Cup qualifiers.

After four matches, Mali has two points and is in the bottom place of Group C standings.

Côte d’Ivoire leads the grouo with 7 points ahead of Morocco who now have 6 points and Gabon with 4 points.