Ghana secured a crucial win over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025. The match was a nail-biting encounter, with both teams creating scoring opportunities, but it was Alexander Djiku who stole the show with a decisive goal in the 49th minute, assisted by Jordan Ayew.
The match got off to a lively start, with Jonas Adjetey earning a yellow card in the 26th minute for a foul.
The Malians pushed hard for an equalizer but were unable to breach the Ghanaian defense, marshalled by Djiku, Mohammed Salisu and Jonas Adjetey. Thomas Partey paired with Kwasi Sibo in midfield with Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo operating in a front three-role
As the game drew to a close, Ghana made strategic substitutions, with Joseph Paintsil and Iñaki Williams replacing Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew in the 80th minute. Kamaldeen Sulemana also came on for Antoine Semenyo in the 72nd minute.
Mali, on the other hand, made several attempts to find the back of the net, but their efforts were thwarted.
Mali made substitutions, with Massire Sylla and Amadou Dante replacing Falaye Doucouré and Dorgeles Nene in the 58th and 81st minutes, but they had too little do pick as Ghana held firm.
The win sees Ghana maintain their lead in the qualifiers with 19 points, while Mali will look to regroup and push for qualification in the remaining matches.
Ghana will play away to the Central African Republic before wrapping up with a home game against Comoros in October as the Black Stars seek their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
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