Ghana edges Mali 1-0 in World Cup qualifier
The CAF World Cup qualifiers brought another big night of African football, and all eyes were on the clash between Ghana and Mali at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra. It was a tense, tactical contest, but in the end, Ghana came out on top with a narrow 1–0 victory that may well define their path to the 2026 World Cup.
The first half started with Ghana showing real intent. The Black Stars pressed high, controlled possession, and created several half-chances. Their defense, led by Salisu and Djiku, held firm whenever Mali attempted quick breaks. The home crowd was buzzing, urging their team forward, but despite Ghana’s dominance, the scoreboard stayed unchanged at halftime. It was a goalless first half, with Mali clinging on and Ghana frustrated at not turning pressure into goals.
The breakthrough came just minutes into the second half. In the 49th minute, Alexander Djiku, usually known for his defensive duties, stepped up at the other end. Assisted by Jordan Ayew, he smashed the ball into the net to give Ghana the long-awaited lead. The stadium erupted, and suddenly the game shifted. With that goal, Ghana settled into a rhythm, playing with greater confidence, while Mali had no choice but to push harder in search of an equalizer.
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The Malian side, however, struggled to create clear chances. Their midfield pressed forward, and substitutions were made to inject fresh energy, but Ghana’s defensive unit stayed compact. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made crucial interventions when called upon, ensuring that the lead was preserved. At the other end, Ghana nearly doubled their advantage—Kudus went close with a header, and Semenyo saw an effort blocked inside the box.
As the match entered its final minutes, the tension rose. Mali tried everything—switching play quickly, committing men forward—but Ghana’s composure stood out. Thomas Partey picked up a yellow card for a rough challenge in midfield, but it did little to disrupt the Black Stars’ momentum. Six minutes of added time were announced, yet Mali could not find a breakthrough. When the final whistle was blown, the scoreline remained 1–0, and the celebrations in Accra began.
This win is more than just three points for Ghana. It cements their place at the top of Group I with 19 points, leaving them within touching distance of qualification for the World Cup. For Mali, the loss was a serious setback. With only 12 points after eight games, their chances of catching up in the group look slim, and their hopes may now depend on results elsewhere.
Head-to-head history still favors Ghana, who have now beaten Mali in back-to-back qualifiers this year. In total, Ghana has registered eight wins out of seventeen meetings, compared to Mali’s three. This latest victory reinforces the Black Stars’ dominance and sends a strong message across Africa: Ghana is determined to return to the world stage.
For the fans in Accra, the night will be remembered for Djiku’s decisive strike and the roar of the stadium as Ghana took another giant step toward the World Cup.
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