2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet pats the back of his players despite Ghana loss

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has thrown his support behind his players despite their narrow 1-0 defeat to Ghana in Matchday 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday, September 8.

The Eagles frustrated the Black Stars in a cagey first half at the Accra Sports Stadium, but fell behind just four minutes after the restart when goalkeeper Djigui Diarra spilled a Jordan Ayew corner, allowing Alexander Djiku to scramble home the decisive goal.

The result ended Mali’s hopes of pushing for a World Cup slot, but Saintfiet refused to blame his charges.

“We conceded the goal much too early and after the goal, there was only one team on the pitch and that was us,” he told the media.

“Step by step, we built up the pressure. We had shots in the second half and some good dribbles, but in the box we couldn’t really open the door because Ghana defended as a block.

“I am very disappointed— as a coach, I hate losing. It’s my first competitive defeat with Mali in 10 matches, so I am not happy with that, but I can’t blame any of my players.”

The win lifted Ghana to 19 points, three clear of Madagascar, who came from behind to beat Chad 3-1. Comoros sit third on 13 points, with Mali (12), Central African Republic (5) and Chad (1) completing the Group I standings.