The Black Stars of Ghana returned to winning ways in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.
Alexander Djiku scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute, finishing off a Jordan Ayew cross after a corner situation that stemmed from Caleb Yirenkyi’s strike against the crossbar.
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Head coach Otto Addo made four changes from the side that faced Chad, bringing in Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey, and Kwasi Sibo.
The first half produced few chances, with Mali recording the only shot on target, while Antoine Semenyo came close for Ghana after being set up by Mohammed Kudus.
After Djiku’s opener early in the second half, Mali pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare pulled off key saves, while Salisu and Djiku were solid at the back. Partey also came to Ghana’s rescue with a crucial clearance to preserve the lead.
Qualification
Despite Mali’s late pressure, the Black Stars held firm to secure all three points. The victory moves Ghana three points clear at the top of Group I, ahead of Madagascar, as the qualifiers continue.
Key players stepped up on the night, with the defense holding firm and the attack showing a clinical edge when it mattered most.
With this result, Ghana keeps its World Cup dream alive, while Mali will rue missed chances and defensive lapses. The race for qualification remains tight, but the Black Stars have proven they still have the fight and quality to compete on Africa’s biggest stage.