Mali star Seydou Keita believes his country can build on their wonderful Nations' Cup in order to become one of the best teams in Africa.

Mali reached the semi-finals on home soil, and the Lens star thinks his team has what it takes to go just as far in 2004.

"What we did in Mali was not an accident," Keita told BBC Sport Online.

"If you look at the results we have had as juniors and now in seniors, we have always got to the semis or the quarters, and I think we can do just as well away from home in 2004."

To do so Mali will have to qualify from a group that also includes Zimbabwe, who Mali play on 8 September.

Keita is aware that winning in southern Africa will be far from easy.

"It is never easy to go into countries like that and win, but we need the three points.

"We will have to be very strong to get them."

Mali's preparations have been boosted by a training camp in France, and by the arrival of new striker Mamady Sidibe, who Keita judges to be "not bad at all."

More importantly the Eagles have a new coach, Christian Dalger, and Keita is confident that he will be a big help.

"Things went really well with Dalger. He is a former player, so he knows his football."

Dalger - and Keita - will be hoping for a win in Zimbabwe to kickstart Mali's new era.

Keita for one is confident: "It will be a big test, but I believe the future of African football lies with us."