The new coach of Mali is to be former France international Christian Dalger, according to reports.

Dalger will take over from Pole Henri Kasperczak, who quit the job in March to take charge of Polish first division side Wisla Krakow.

His replacement is expected to arrive in Bamako on Thursday to sign a contract, according to the Essor newspaper.

Dalger was formally the coach of French giants Monaco, as well as Toulon.

The 53-year-old was also one of France's 1978 World Cup side, eliminated at the first stage after defeats to Italy and Argentina.

His immediate task is to guide the Eagles to the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

They are in Group F, together with Zimbabwe, Seychelles, and Eritrea.

The new man in charge will do well to match the achievements of his predecessor, however.

Kasperczak took the Eagles to the semi-finals of the 2002 African Nations Cup - held in Mali.

Three successive draws in a tough group, followed by a convincing 2-0 win over South Africa, saw them through before they were beaten by eventual champions Cameroon.