Black Stars secure clutch win

Ghana gave their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification hopes a major boost with a clutch 1-0 win over Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday night.

Alexander Djiku scored the only goal of the game early in the second half as the Black Stars opened a three-point lead at the top of Group I – responding to earlier wins from Comoros and Madagascar (second and third on the log respectively) which had dialled up the pressure on the West Africans.

As for the Eagles, they suffered a second defeat of the campaign and cannot finish top of the group – ruling out their hopes of automatic qualification.

The first half was a cagey affair, with Mali looking dangerous from a couple of set piece situations in the early minutes, before Ghana found their rhythm and began to dominate possession.

While the hosts had some threatening moments through the power and pace of Mohammed Kudus, as well as the movement of Jordan Ayew, they didn’t create any clear chances with which to test Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

The Black Stars’ best opening arrived late in the first half, with Kudus driving forward down the right before firing in a low cross for Antoine Semenyo, who attempted a turn and shot inside the penalty area but scuffed it wide of the mark.

Ghana broke the deadlock early in the second half, as Diarra flapped at a corner kick from Jordan Ayew, allowing Alexander Djiku to bundle the ball home at the far post in the 49th minute.

✅ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: Three massive points in Accra!

🇬🇭 Ghana 1️⃣–0️⃣ Mali 🇲🇱

⚽️ Alexander Djiku 49’ #BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/VswMIpE0vy

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 8, 2025

The Eagles responded with a double change, sending on Gaoussou Diarra and Dorgeles Nene just before the hour mark – the latter threatened an equaliser in the 79th minute with a long-range effort that flashed just off target.

The Eagles had a handful of threatening moments in the remaining minutes, but unlike the clash against Chad last week, Ghana were able to hold firm in defence and secure three points that sets them firmly on path for next year’s global tournament.

The teams will conclude their Group I campaigns in October, with Ghana facing Central African Republic (away) and Comoros (home), while Mali will tackle Chad (away) and Madagascar (home).

Ghana (0) 1 (Djiku 49’)

Mali 0

Ghana: B. Asare, J. Adjetey, J. Ayew (I. Williams 80’), A. Djiku (J. Opoku 87’), M. Kudus (J. Paintsil 80’), G. Mensah, T. Partey, M. Salisu, A. Semenyo (K. Sulemana 73’), K. Sibo, C. Yirenkyi

Mali: D. Diarra, M. Camara, L. Coulibaly (G. Diarra 59’), A. Dante (M. Sylla 81’), S. Diakite (O. Camara 81’), A. Dieng, F. Doucoure (D. Nene 59’), K. Doumbia, M. Fofana, S. Niakate, L. Sinayoko (M. Sangare 69’)