With just two rounds remaining in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Ghana’s Black Stars sit atop their group but their position is anything but secure. A very important showdown against Mali looms at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday evening, with both sides knowing that victory could define their qualification campaigns.
Otto Addo’s Ghana side enters the match three points clear of second placed Madagascar and four ahead of Monday’s opponents, Mali. But the Black Stars were dealt a frustrating blow in their last outing, drawing 1-1 away to Chad in N’Djamena. Jordan Ayew had put the visitors ahead in the first half, and Ghana looked to be cruising to three points before conceding a dramatic 89th-minute equalizer that left the door ajar for the chasing pack.
While Ghana maintained their lead thanks to favorable results elsewhere, the dropped points highlighted lingering issues with game management and finishing. With qualification margins razor-thin, Addo and his team can ill afford a repeat slip-up.
Meanwhile, Mali arrive in Accra reinvigorated after a dominant 3-0 win over Comoros reignited their qualification hopes. Goals from Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly underlined a rare moment of attacking fluency from the Eagles, whose campaign has been hindered by too many draws.
Tom Saintfiet’s side has lost just once in seven matches but has been left playing catch-up due to a lack of cutting edge up front.
Still, Mali’s defensive record is among the best in the group only four goals conceded so far and Saintfiet will hope that his side’s newfound attacking sharpness can complement their strong foundation at the back. With just three points separating them from Madagascar, a win in Accra would see Mali vault right back into contention for a top-two finish and possible automatic qualification.
Ghana, however, boast an imposing record at home. The Black Stars are unbeaten in Accra during the current qualifying campaign, notching wins over Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Chad. The spine of the team featuring Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Iñaki Williams has shown flashes of world-class quality, but consistency and ruthlessness have been missing in key moments.
Both teams bring urgency and ambition into this high-stakes clash. Ghana, seeking to return to the World Cup for a second consecutive edition, will aim to harness home advantage and reassert their control of the group. Mali, desperate to end their long wait for a maiden World Cup appearance, must balance defensive discipline with attacking intent.
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