2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: CAF names South Africa’s Badi Luxolo as referee for Ghana vs Mali
8th September 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed South African referee Badi Luxolo as the centre referee for Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali on Monday, September 8.
Luxolo, 30, will be assisted by compatriot Cledwin Baloyi (Assistant Referee II) and Phatsoane Souru of Lesotho (Assistant Referee I). Namibian official Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo will serve as the fourth official.
In addition, Morocco’s Guezzaz Mohammed has been named Referee Assessor, while Nigerian official Kachalla Babagana Kalli will act as the Match Commissioner.
The Group I encounter is set for a 19:00 GMT kick-off at the Accra Sports Stadium, where the Black Stars are aiming to bounce back from their 1-1 draw with Chad in Ndjamena last Thursday.
Ghana currently lead the standings with 16 points, just one ahead of Comoros (15), while Madagascar (13) and Mali (12) remain firmly in contention. The Central African Republic follow with five points, and Chad sit bottom with a single point.