Ghana’s Black Stars bounced back to winning ways in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as they defeated Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The fixture, which was played on Monday, September 8, saw Alexander Djiku score the only goal of the game in the 49th minute.
Otto Addo made four changes to the team that faced Chad in the last game with Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo all coming in.
The game saw just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes of the game, going in the way of Mali.
However, the clearest chance of the half went in Ghana’s favour when Antoine Semenyo’s shot went just wide of the post after Mohammed Kudus’ run down the right flank.
The two teams went into the break with nothing to separate them.
However, just three minutes into the second half, Djiku, who was one of four changes made by Otto Addo, finished off a Jordan Ayew cross to open the scoring.
The corner that led to a goal was as a result of Caleb Yirenkyi’s effort which came off the crossbar and was subsequently cleared out.
Having taken the lead, Ghana’s defence got busier from there with Benjamin Asare being forced into some good saves.
Djiku and Mohammed Salisu were also called on a few occasions, making some good clearances to keep the score in Ghana’s favor.
Thomas Partey spared the blushes of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare when he made a timely clearance to deny Mali from drawing level.
Despite Mali’s late pressure, the Black Stars were able to hold them off and secure all three points at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The win means Ghana go three points clear at the top of Group I and ahead of Madagascar ahead of the next round of qualifiers.
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