- Alexander Djiku scored the decisive goal as the Black Stars sealed a hard-fought win against Mali
- Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo, who received a late call-up, put in a decent shift in midfield on his debut
- YEN.com.gh analyses what the Black Stars need to do to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup
Ghana boosted their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in Accra.
The decisive moment came in the 49th minute when Alexander Djiku pounced after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to deal with Jordan Ayew’s inswinging corner.
Source: Twitter
Despite Mali’s late pressure in search of an equaliser, the Black Stars held firm with a disciplined defensive display.
The win lifts Ghana to 19 points, restoring their three-point cushion at the top of Group I with just two matches remaining.
Otto Addo’s men will next travel to face the Central African Republic before closing their campaign at home against Comoros.
In African qualifying, only the nine group winners earn automatic spots at the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to the continental play-offs.
What Ghana must do to qualify
The Black Stars are within touching distance of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
With two games left to play, Ghana sit top of Group I with 19 points, having scored 17 goals and conceded just six. The race remains tight, but Otto Addo’s men know their fate is firmly in their hands.
Ghana’s nearest challengers, Madagascar, occupy second place on 16 points with a goal difference of +7 (14 scored, 7 conceded).
Comoros remain in the hunt in third with 15 points, having netted 11 and conceded 10.
Meanwhile, Mali are still mathematically alive in fourth on 12 points, boasting 11 goals scored and only five against.
Check out league table below:
With the group leaders qualifying automatically for the World Cup, every point from here on matters.
The Black Stars must first travel away to face the Central African Republic before returning home to host Comoros on the final matchday.
These fixtures will decide whether Ghana can secure a second consecutive World Cup ticket.
One win could be enough: A single victory from their last two games will likely seal Ghana’s place at the top of the group.
Even if Madagascar and Comoros win their games, they cannot both overtake the Black Stars if Ghana reach 22 points.
The crucial fixture is the final-day clash with Comoros. A home win over the islanders would effectively shut the door on their qualification hopes.
Ghana currently enjoy a stronger attacking record than their challengers, which could be decisive if the group comes down to fine margins.
For Ghana, the equation is simple: win one of their last two matches, and they will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. With key players finding form and the team holding the psychological edge at the top of the table, the Black Stars are in pole position to extend their World Cup tradition.
Anything less than that, however, could open the door for Madagascar or Comoros to clinch qualification in dramatic fashion.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
