In a pulsating Group I encounter Monday night at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana emerged victorious against Mali with a narrow 1–0 win, a result that gives the Black Stars a firm grip on their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying aspirations. Defender Alexander Djiku delivered the decisive blow early in the second half, nodding home from a corner in the 49th minute to ignite an ecstatic home crowd and bolster Ghana’s qualification hopes.
The home side had gone into the clash under immense pressure, having drawn 1–1 with Chad the week prior. The weight of expectation was palpable, but Djiku’s instinctive finish proved the turning point Ghana needed.
Mali, previously unbeaten in the group, responded with intensity, dominating large portions of the second half. Yet, Ghana’s defense, marshaled by the composure of Thomas Partey, stood firm to preserve the slender advantage.
The result puts Ghana at the summit of Group I, with a three-point cushion that significantly narrows Mali’s chance of claiming the automatic spot. A subsequent victory for Madagascar further heightened the stakes, making Ghana’s win even more critical in the tightly packed group.
This gritty triumph offered much-needed redemption. The win may not have convinced tactically, but in high-stakes World Cup qualifiers, results matter most. Alexander Djiku’s timely header and Ghana’s defensive resilience underscore the character of this team, while Thomas Partey’s calm presence in midfield anchored a nervous performance. With two key matches still to play against the Central African Republic and Comoros, this momentum could be Ghana’s ticket to the looming global showdown.
