2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana cruise past Mali in pulsating win to remain top of Group I
Ghana’s Black Stars remain steadfast in their quest to remaining atop of Group I from 2026 World Cup qualifying after Monday evening’s hard fought 1-0 victory over the Eagles of Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The game was a rather intense one which saw both sides staying cautious to keep their opposition at bay; a pulsating first half which had Ghana’s goalkeeper, Asare being untested as the opposition’s stayed busy on the night.
In the second half, the brightest opportunity for the Black Stars emerged as the promising young talent, Caleb Yirenkyi struck a ferocious shot which tested the Mali goal keeper in the early minutes of the second period; his strike rattled the cross bar after the goalkeeper had a slight touch to dash the ball away for a corner.
Black Stars defender Alexander Djiku emerged from the far post after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra misplayed Jordan Ayew’s corner kick in the 49th minute, a moment that made all the difference in an incredible clash.
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It was an even game throughout with Mali desperately seeking a victory away from home to keep their sagging World Cup hopes alive. After Djiku opened the scoring, however, the Ghanaian defense put in an excellent shift to limit Tom Saintfiet and his men to hopeful crosses and long range efforts that caused little trouble for Black Stars keeper Benjamin Asare.
After a disappointing stalemate that gave Group I’s bottom side, Chad their first ever point, Ghana successfully bounced back to keep up on a three point lead. The Black Stars will vlimax their campaign in October with a clash against Central African Republic before drawing the curtains at home against Comoros.
Mali still can secure the runner-up position and qualification for the playoff but the Eagles will need to win at Chad and at home against Madagascar, who won earlier on Monday against Central African Republic.
Group I
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