The Malian Football Federation has appointed a new coach just hours after the sudden departure of Italian Romano Matte.

Matte's decision to step down came as a shock to many in the North African country, which will host the Cup of Nations in just over three months.

But it will also be a relief to Malian football fans, who have been desperate for a shake-up in their national team for many months.

The public are fed up with constant eliminations and humiliating defeats, such as the 6-0 loss to the French club Guingamp, last weekend.

Speaking on Mali state television on Wednesday night, Amadou Diakite, president of Mali's Football Federation, put an end to a week of rumours by confirming that the long-awaited change had been made.

He denied that Matte had been sacked, insisting that the Italian and the federation had come to a mutual agreement on a "friendly separation".

Experienced replacement

Diakite said the new trainer, Polish-born Henri Kasperczak was due to arrive in the Malian capital on Thursday and would be present for the Bamako Tournament this weekend, which is being held to inaugurate the city's new 26th March stadium.

"The new trainer is no stranger to African football," said Diakite.

"He has experience in Ivory Coast and also in Tunisia, and took both of those teams to the finals of the African Cup of Nations.