Ghana edged past Mali with a hard-fought 1–0 victory in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, 8 September 2025.
The decisive moment came in the 49th minute when Alexander Djiku rose to the occasion, slotting home after a fine assist from Jordan Ayew. The goal proved enough to separate the two sides in a tense encounter filled with drama, near-misses, and tactical battles.
The Black Stars started brightly but were handed an early warning when Jonas Adjetey picked up a yellow card for a foul in the 26th minute. Despite Mali’s attempts to wrest control, Ghana’s defence—marshalled superbly by Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, and Adjetey—stood resolute.
In midfield, Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo kept the team ticking, while Kudus, Ayew, and Antoine Semenyo worked tirelessly in the attacking third. Kudus and Ayew later made way for Joseph Paintsil and Iñaki Williams in the 80th minute, with Kamaldeen Sulemana also replacing Semenyo in the 72nd.
Mali responded with changes of their own, introducing Massire Sylla and Amadou Dante for Falaye Doucouré and Dorgeles Nene in the 58th and 81st minutes respectively. However, their forward push could not break down Ghana’s compact structure.
The result keeps Ghana firmly on top of the qualification group with 19 points, while Mali will be forced to regroup as the race for a World Cup ticket intensifies.
Next up for the Black Stars is an away trip to face the Central African Republic, before returning home in October to close the campaign against Comoros as they chase a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
