- Black Stars forward Inaki Williams dropped a brief five-word message to fans following Ghana’s hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Mali
- Alexander Djiku’s scrappy goal proved decisive in the high-stakes clash, handing Ghana all three points
- With two games left to play, Inaki and his teammates now stand on the brink of booking another World Cup appearance
Inaki Williams has lifted the spirits of Ghanaian supporters following the Black Stars’ tense 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Athletic Club forward, who came off the bench in the second half, expressed confidence that Ghana will seal a place at next year’s tournament.
Source: Twitter
Inaki Williams’ message to Ghanaians
Sharing his excitement online, the 31-year-old posted a brief but powerful note to fans.
“We’re going to get it 🕺🏿🇬🇭,” he wrote on X, moments after the four-time African champions secured maximum points in Accra.
See Inaki’s post:
Although Williams only featured for 11 minutes, as noted by Flashscore, he showed hunger to contribute.
Twice, he was left waiting for a final pass from Kamaldeen Sulemana and Joseph Paintsil, which could have given him a clear chance to score.
Watch the moment Inaki was ignored:
Fans voiced frustration over those missed opportunities, but the striker himself chose not to dwell on them.
Instead, he highlighted the bigger picture, stressing collective success over personal glory.
His message reflected maturity, especially considering the challenges he has faced since switching allegiance to Ghana before the 2022 World Cup.
So far, Williams has managed two goals in 22 appearances, averaging one every 11 games, according to Transfermarkt.
Despite those modest numbers, he remains optimistic about making a greater impact as the qualifiers near their conclusion.
Source: Twitter
Sharing his thoughts on Inaki Williams’ role with the Black Stars, sports journalist Fitman Jaara, who covered the game at the Accra Sports Stadium, told YEN.com.gh:
“It’s disappointing how Inaki’s qualities have been underutilised. If his teammates involved him more, especially in the final third, he would have scored far more than the two goals he has in 22 appearances.
“Mark my words, he’ll probably find the net again once he returns to Bilbao. This is an issue the technical team, led by Otto Addo, must address quickly.”
What Ghana needs to seal World Cup qualification
Ghana will travel to face the Central African Republic on October 8 before welcoming Comoros to Accra three days later.
With only four points needed from the final two matches, the Black Stars are in control of their own destiny after missing out on next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, the striker turns his focus back to club football. He will lead Athletic Bilbao against Deportivo Alaves on September 13, hoping to inspire a response after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Osasuna before the international break.
Black Stars player rating after Mali triumph
In a related publication, YEN.com.gh reviewed the Black Stars’ individual displays as they tightened their grip on Group I.
Late call-up Kwasi Sibo caught the eye with a composed performance in midfield on his debut, while match-winner Alexander Djiku topped the ratings with a standout display.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
