Ghana Secures Crucial 1-0 Victory Over Mali in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

The Black Stars of Ghana reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Alexander Djiku’s opportunistic strike early in the second half proved the difference, lifting Ghana to 18 points and solidifying their lead at the top of CAF Group I.

Coming off a frustrating 1-1 draw against Chad last week, Ghana, under the guidance of coach Otto Addo, displayed resilience in front of a fervent home crowd.

The match was a tense affair, with Mali’s Eagles dominating possession for long stretches, but the Black Stars’ defensive resolve and clinical finishing secured a vital three points.

The game’s defining moment arrived in the 49th minute when Spartak Moscow defender Djiku capitalized on a rare error from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. A well-delivered corner caused chaos in the Mali penalty area, and Diarra’s fumble allowed Djiku to stab the ball home from close range, sending the Accra crowd into a frenzy. The goal came shortly after substitute Caleb Yirenkyi struck the crossbar with a thunderous long-range effort, signaling Ghana’s renewed intent after a lackluster first half.

Mali responded with relentless pressure, pinning Ghana back with their disciplined pressing and fluid possession play. However, Ghana’s backline, marshaled by Djiku and bolstered by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s sharp saves, stood firm. In midfield, Thomas Partey’s composure and tactical discipline were pivotal in weathering Mali’s storm, while Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus worked tirelessly up front, often stretching Mali’s compact defense.

Despite Mali’s attacking threats, led by Kamory Doumbia and Lassana Coulibaly, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against Ghana’s resolute defense, which has conceded just five goals in eight qualifiers.

The Eagles’ frustration was evident as they failed to convert their dominance into goals, with their hopes of topping Group I now all but extinguished.The victory keeps Ghana in pole position in Group I with 18 points, two ahead of Madagascar (16) and three clear of Comoros (15).

Mali, with 12 points, face an uphill battle to secure a top-two finish with only two matches remaining. Ghana now needs just four points from their final fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Coach Otto Addo praised his team’s grit post-match, stating, “It wasn’t our most fluent performance, but the boys showed character. This win is massive for our World Cup dreams.”

Djiku who was named Man of the Match, added, “The fans gave us the energy to push through. We knew how important this was, and we delivered.”

The Black Stars’ unbeaten home record in qualifying remains intact, and the Accra Sports Stadium proved once again to be a fortress. As Ghana edges closer to back-to-back World Cup appearances, Djiku’s poacher’s finish may well be remembered as the moment that revived their global ambitions under the Accra floodlights.