The Black Stars recorded a crucial 1-0 win over Mali in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The game, played at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8, 2026, saw the Black Stars pressing for the opener, but their opponents were resilient.
Jordan Ayew’s corner kick found Alexander Djiku, who tapped the ball into the net at the far post.
Mali revived their performance with incessant attacks, but the defense kept their composure to thwart the danger, with Djiku, Salisu, and Yirenkyi playing key roles.
Kamaldeen Sulemana and Joseph Paintsil, who came on as substitutes, added extra pressure in attack, but a lack of clinical finishing denied the team a second goal.
The win puts the Black Stars in pole position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
After eight matches, Ghana lead Group I with 19 points, Madagascar are second with 16 points, Comoros are third with 15 points, while Mali lie fourth with 12 points.
The Black Stars will need to win one of their two remaining games in October 2025, against the Central African Republic (CAR) and Comoros, to seal qualification for the global showpiece.
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