It was Alexander Djiku who was in the right place at the right time and scored the only goal of the match, helping Ghana's Black Stars go on top of Group I with 19 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

It was a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup group qualifying clash with Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday night.

Ghana was already sitting top of the Group but was doing so under mounting pressure.

The team dropped points in a frustrating 1-1 draw against bottom side Chad last Thursday, and the result left the group delicately open.

Comoros’ 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic on Sunday, meant that the Black Stars could not afford to drop a point in the rest of the competition. It meant a win for Ghana was essential. 

Two more games to go against Chad and Central Africa Republic.

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Defender Alexander Djiku’s second-half strike proved decisive as Ghana labored past a determined Malian side in front of a passionate home crowd.

Coach Otto Addo made four changes to the team that drew with Chad last Thursday, handing a debut start to late call-up Kwasi Sibo.

Despite their 2-1 win in Bamako during the reverse fixture last year, expectations were high among fans for an improved performance after the disappointing draw with Chad.

The Eagles, however, coached by Tom Saintfiet, frustrated the Black Stars with their discipline in midfield and defense.

Ghana struggled to create chances in the first half, with their only real opportunity coming in the 44th minute when Mohammed Kudus danced his way past defenders and crossed for Antoine Semenyo, who misfired from close range.

Mali also threatened before the break, forcing desperate defending from Djiku and Mohammed Salisu to keep the score level.

After the restart, the home side were lifted by the chants of their supporters, and in the 47th minute they broke the deadlock.

Jordan Ayew’s corner was bundled home by Djiku, sparking wild celebrations.

The goal energized Ghana, with Kudus displaying flashes of brilliance and combining with Semenyo, though the Bournemouth striker failed to convert.

With 20 minutes left, Addo introduced Kamaldeen Sulemana for the ineffective Semenyo, but the Malian pressure persisted.

Later substitutions saw Joseph Paintsil and Iñaki Williams replace Kudus and Ayew, with Paintsil making an immediate impact through his incisive runs.

Despite Ghana’s efforts, the Eagles pushed the Black Stars deep into their own half in the closing stages.

In stoppage time, Mali appealed for a penalty after Jonas Adjetey was judged to have made minimal contact with an opponent inside the box.

The South African referee waved play on, a decision that angered the visitors.

At the final whistle, several Malian players and officials confronted the referee, prompting security personnel to escort him into the tunnel.

The victory leaves Ghana in a commanding position in Group I as the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.