Black Stars edge Mali to stay top of qualifying group

Ghana took a major step toward booking a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in Accra on Monday night.

The Black Stars went into the Round 8 fixture under pressure to respond following last week’s disappointing draw with Chad. With key players Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku returning to the starting line-up, Otto Addo’s side looked more balanced and determined to deliver in front of home supporters at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The decisive moment came in the 49th minute when Jordan Ayew’s inswinging corner slipped through the hands of Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. Djiku pounced quickly, scrambling the ball home to give Ghana a slender lead.

Mali, who needed victory to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification, pressed hard in the final stages. However, Ghana’s defence held firm to secure all three points, ensuring the West Africans remain unbeaten at home in the qualifiers.

The result pushes Ghana to 19 points, three clear of Madagascar, who sit second after a 3-1 comeback win over Chad earlier on Monday. Comoros are third with 15 points following their 2-0 away victory over the Central African Republic, while Mali have slipped to fourth and can no longer finish top of Group I.

With just two rounds remaining, Ghana remain in pole position to reach successive editions of the World Cup. The Black Stars travel to face the Central African Republic in October before hosting Comoros in what could be the decisive fixture.

Only group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The four best-ranked runners-up will enter play-offs, with one African side advancing to an intercontinental qualifier.

For Ghana, one more win may be enough to confirm a ticket to North America. For Mali, the defeat ended their dreams of a first-ever World Cup appearance.