The Black Stars of Ghana have narrowly escaped a goalless stalemate, or in the worst scenario, a second defeat in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after beating the Eagles of Mali 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.
The victory enabled Ghana to remain top of the qualifying Group I table with 19 points – 3 points ahead of second place holders Madagascar after eight matches in all.
Although Otto Addo’s side was playing on home soil and already sitting top of the group hitherto this fixture, the home team had to hang on for their dear lives amid obvious advantages as pressure from both the roaring fans and Tom Saintfiet’s disciplined Mali heightened.
The intensified tension was as a result of high expectations among the itching fans for an improved performance and result after the Black Stars’ disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom side Chad last Thursday, September 4, 2025, leading to the former dropping points. The only way to make amends, however, is to secure all three points against Mali.
After a deadlock first-half, both teams returned from the recess in high spirits looking to take the lead. In the 48th minute, and not to repeat the mistake of Antoine Semenyo who misfired a cross from Mohammed Kudus in the 44th minute before the break, Alexander Djiku scored the first and only goal of the match when he softly tapped home Jordan Ayew’s corner as Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to jump highest to grab the ball in flight and put the Black Stars ahead of their rivals.
On the other hand, Mali responded with threatening attacks as they struggled to equalise. The Eagles’ persistence pushed the Stars deep into their own half resulting in a minimal contact between Jonathan Adjetey and an opponent in the box.
The Malian subsequently appealed for a penalty but the South African referee saw otherwise, hence, waved play on – a decision that didn’t sit well with the visitors.
Despite the Eagles’ offensive dominance, the Black Stars stood firm and absorbed the visitors’ late pressure until the final whistle.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with two more games for Ghana against Central African Republic and Comoros respectively.
By Maxwell Woyram Tsigbe