 |
| Black Star |
Under the brilliant Accra sky, the Ghanaian faithful were treated to a stirring performance. The Black Stars edged out Mali 1–0 in a tightly contested match at the Accra Sports Stadium, also known as Ohene Djan Stadium, lifting the hopes of a nation as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers edge toward closure.
In the 52nd minute, Ghana broke the deadlock. A powerful right-footed shot from the player donning the number 23 jersey—Alexander Djiku—sliced through the Malian defence and found the back of the net. That lone goal proved decisive, sparking euphoric celebrations from both the pitch and the packed stands .
From the outset, Ghana pressed with vigor. The first half was defined by intense possession and relentless pressure. The hosts saw a flirtation with success. In the 8th minute, a Mali header thumped off the upright, while Ghana’s Semenyo—served by Thomas Partey—almost curled in an opener, only for the Mali defence to clear for a corner .
The second half opened with a caution for Jonas Adjei (Ghana) for dangerous play — a reminder of the match’s physical edge . But when Djiku struck in the 52nd, it underscored Ghana's clinical edge in moments that matter.
Before kick-off, Ghana led Group I with 16 points from seven matches (5 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) and held a slender lead in their campaign for direct qualification . Mali, meanwhile, needed a positive result to keep their own hopes alive .
A victory today not only cements Ghana’s advantage atop the standings but inches the Black Stars ever closer to booking their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium pulsed with emotion from start to finish. Every pass, every tackle, every moment of tension held fans in rapture. Djiku’s composed finish did more than score—it carried the weight of expectation, pride, and dreams. On the sidelines, head coach Otto Addo’s composure mirrored that of his players—calm, focused, yet quietly confident.
The bench came alive, joining in roars and embraces, as if each substitution could ignite yet another spark. Across the terraces, children waved Ghanaian flags, elderly fans applauded each determined sprint, and everyone shared in the collective beat of Black Stars football.
With one match remaining in the group stage after today’s triumph, Ghana edges ever closer to sealing direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup . The fervour and belief coursing through the squad and the nation alike are palpable.
Mali, undeterred, remain in the fight but now face an uphill battle to claw back into contention. For Ghana, the dream of another World Cup appearance is brighter than ever
