Black Stars look to regain momentum in crucial Group I qualifier on Monday
Ghana’s Black Stars face a crucial test of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign when they host Mali on Monday, seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Chad that left fans questioning the team’s readiness for football’s biggest stage.
Currently sitting at the top of Group I with 16 points from six matches, Ghana holds a commanding position in the race for direct qualification to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, Thursday’s lackluster performance against bottom-ranked Chad has raised concerns about the team’s consistency under pressure.
The match against Mali presents both an opportunity for redemption and a significant challenge. Mali enters the contest in third place on 12 points after defeating Comoros 3-0 on Friday, demonstrating the kind of clinical finishing Ghana struggled to find against Chad despite dominating possession.
Addo Demands Improvement
Ghana coach Otto Addo made no attempt to sugar-coat his team’s performance following the Chad result, acknowledging fundamental issues that must be addressed before facing Mali’s more experienced squad.
“I can’t say we played excellently or we played well because it was a draw,” Addo admitted in his post-match press conference. “We had a lot of corners, we did nothing out of that. This, in the end, surely is not good enough, and we have to improve, especially on our execution.”
The coach’s candid assessment reflects broader frustrations among Ghanaian supporters who expected a comfortable victory against Chad, a team that had yet to earn a point in the qualifying campaign. Ghana’s inability to convert territorial advantage into goals mirrors issues that have plagued the national team in recent international fixtures.
Mali’s Revival Under Saintfiet
Ghana faces a Mali side undergoing transformation under new Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, who replaced Eric Chelle earlier this year. Chelle has since taken charge of Nigeria, adding another layer of West African coaching musical chairs to the regional rivalry.
Saintfiet’s immediate impact was evident in Mali’s emphatic victory over Comoros, suggesting the Eagles have found the tactical discipline and attacking precision that was missing under previous management. The Belgian coach brings extensive African experience, having previously guided Gambia to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages.
The teams’ recent history favors Ghana, with the Black Stars securing a 2-1 victory when they met in Bamako on June 6 last year. However, Mali’s improved form under new management and Ghana’s inconsistent displays suggest Monday’s encounter could prove more challenging than their previous meeting.
Qualification Stakes
With the group winner earning direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup and the runner-up potentially advancing to inter-confederation playoffs, every point carries enormous significance in the remaining fixtures.
Ghana’s four-point advantage over second-placed Madagascar provides a comfortable cushion, but the Black Stars cannot afford complacency with challenging away fixtures still to come. Mali, despite trailing by four points, remains very much in contention for the runner-up position that could lead to playoff qualification.
The 2026 World Cup represents a significant opportunity for both nations. For Ghana, it would mark their fifth World Cup appearance and first since their quarterfinal run in 2010 captured global attention. Mali, meanwhile, seeks to build on their recent continental success and secure a place on football’s biggest stage for the first time.
Pressure on Home Soil
Playing at home typically provides Ghana with a significant advantage, but Thursday’s tepid performance against Chad demonstrated that familiar surroundings offer no guarantee of success. The Black Stars will need to rediscover the intensity and precision that carried them to the group summit if they hope to maintain their qualification trajectory.
Key players must step forward to provide the clinical edge that was missing against Chad. Ghana’s attacking players, including captain Andre Ayew and striker Jordan Ayew, face pressure to convert opportunities that have been spurned in recent matches.
The midfield creativity that should unlock organized defenses has been inconsistent, while set-piece execution – an area Addo specifically highlighted – requires immediate improvement. These tactical deficiencies become magnified against quality opposition like Mali.
Regional Implications
Monday’s match carries significance beyond World Cup qualification, representing a test of West African football’s current hierarchy. Ghana’s status as the region’s most successful World Cup participant faces challenge from Mali’s emerging generation and improved tactical organization.
The outcome will influence not only qualification mathematics but also regional bragging rights ahead of future continental competitions. Both teams harbor ambitions for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, making Monday’s encounter a preview of potential tournament clashes.
For Ghanaian football, the match represents a crucial moment in Otto Addo’s second tenure as national coach. His honest assessment of recent performances suggests awareness of the team’s limitations, but translating that recognition into improved results remains the ultimate test of his leadership.
As kick-off approaches, Ghana’s World Cup dreams remain firmly in their own hands. However, Mali’s visit provides a stern examination of whether the Black Stars possess the quality and mentality required to navigate the final stages of qualification successfully.
The answer will determine not just Monday’s result, but potentially Ghana’s presence at the 2026 World Cup when football returns to North America.
Match Details:
- Date: Monday, September 9, 2025
- Venue: Accra, Ghana
- Current Group I Standings:
- Ghana – 16 points
- Madagascar – 13 points
- Mali – 12 points
- Comoros – 9 points
- Central African Republic – 5 points
- Chad – 1 point
Source: newsghana.com.gh
