Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew appeared visibly upset with his coach, Otto Addo, when he was substituted in the 80th minute during Monday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the Eagles of Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8, 2025.
The skipper, whose beautifully taken corner kick led to the only goal of the match scored by defender Alexander Djiku, was replaced by Inaki Williams in the 80th minute, something that clearly did not sit well with him.
As Jordan walked off the pitch following his substitution, he appeared visibly frustrated and mumbled in irritation.
The Black Stars came under intense pressure from their visitors moments after the goal, as the Eagles tried hard to mount a comeback. However, the Stars’ solid defence, anchored by Salisu Mohammed and goal scorer Alexander Djiku, remained resolute and thwarted all threats.
Black Stars beat Mali to boost their 2026 World Cup qualification bid
In the dying moments of the game, the Stars had two excellent opportunities to put the match beyond the Eagles’ reach.
Substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana, who replaced Antoine Semanyo, chose to go for goal from an unlikely position instead of releasing the ball to Inaki Williams on his right.
The second opportunity, created by substitute Joseph Paintsil with his pace and superb ball control, saw him advance into open spaces to exploit the Eagles’ tight defence. Surprisingly, he passed to Sulemana on his left instead of Inaki Williams, who was in a better scoring position on the right.
The win has put Ghana at the top of Group I with 19 points, three points ahead of Madagascar, with two matches remaining. A victory in either of the upcoming fixtures could secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Jordan Ayew was visibly upset with Otto Addo after he was subbed off in the Black Stars’ 🇬🇭 win over Mali 🇲🇱 #JoySports pic.twitter.com/z0Hmsi2s7f
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 8, 2025
NAAB/MA
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