The Black Stars of Ghana secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Mali in their Matchday 8 clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday night at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Head coach Otto Addo fielded a strong starting lineup, handing returns to Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku and Kwasi Sibo, all of whom missed the 1-1 draw against Chad in N’Djamena last week.
The opening exchanges were tightly contested, with both sides enjoying spells of possession. Mali came close early on when they were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box in the 11th minute, but Ghana’s defensive wall held firm.
At the other end, Caleb Yirenkyi and Mohammed Kudus posed problems for the Eagles’ backline, though the visitors remained composed.
Ghana gradually grew into the game, creating chances from corners and free kicks but failing to make them count.
Their best opportunity of the first half came on the stroke of halftime, when Antoine Semenyo narrowly missed connecting with a Kudus cross, leaving the score goalless at the break.
The Black Stars started the second half with renewed urgency and were rewarded four minutes in. Djiku rose highest to head home Jordan Ayew’s corner, giving Ghana a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.
Mali responded strongly, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Gideon Mensah produced a vital clearance to deny them after a deflected effort threatened to creep in. The visitors maintained pressure, but Ghana’s backline stood resilient.
Addo refreshed his attack in the second half, introducing Kamaldeen Sulemana for Semenyo in the 72nd minute, before bringing on Joseph Paintsil and Iñaki Williams for Ayew and Kudus with 10 minutes remaining. Defender Jerome Opoku later replaced Djiku to help close out the game.
Despite Mali’s late dominance, the Black Stars held their nerve to claim all three points and solidify their place at the top of Group I with 19 points, with just two qualifiers left to play.
Ghana will wrap up their campaign in October with fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros as they aim to book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
