- The Black Stars saw their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification advantage threatened following an away draw at Chad
- Legendary Ghanaian ex-footballer Michael Essien has dropped an inspiring video online ahead of Ghana’s crucial World Cup qualifier vs. Mali
- Anything less than a victory against Mali could seriously harm Otto Addo’s bid to take Ghana to next year’s World Cup
Ghanaian football icon Michael Essien is radiating energy and excitement after sharing a morale-boosting video on social media ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Mali.
The Matchday Eight of the CAF World Cup 2026 qualifier is set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 2025.
Source: Getty Images
During the previous Matchweek last Thursday, Otto Addo’s men sought to boost their World Cup chances, only to be pegged back by a resilient Chad side in a 1–1 draw in N’Djamena.
In the sweltering heat at the newly opened Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, Ghana got off to a bright start.
According to Flashscore, skipper Jordan Ayew was on hand to tuck home from close range in the 17th minute, finishing off a neat move after Mohammed Kudus whipped in a low ball across the face of goal, according to Flashscore.
For long spells, the four-time World Cup finalists controlled possession and fashioned the clearer chances, but their lack of ruthlessness in the final third meant they failed to kill the game off. As time wore on, Chad grew braver and more combative, forcing Ghana to sit deeper.
The hosts’ persistence was rewarded late on when substitute Célestin Ecua latched onto a clever pass, skipped past a couple of defenders and drilled a tidy finish beyond goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the 89th minute.
The ground erupted as Les Sao picked up their first point of the qualifying campaign. Despite the setback, Ghana remain top of Group I, though both Comoros and Madagascar are breathing down their necks, leaving the race for automatic qualification finely poised.
Ghana vs. Mali: Michael Essien lits up social media
Heading into the crucial match against Mali, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan mideifler, who tallied 9 goals in 59 matches for the Black Stars, was seen is brimming with vibes and positivity after posting an uplifting video online on TikTok, with many fans expressing their delight.
Although Essien didn’t reference the match directly, many fans feel the legend is hinting at a positive outcome for the national team on Monday.
Watch the video below.
Meanwhile, according to the Ghana FA, the Black Stars lead the group with 16 points from seven matches, three ahead of Madagascar and four clear of Mali, highlighting the need to maintain home advantage with a solid display in Accra.
Otto Addo’s side edged Mali 2-1 in Bamako on June 24 during Matchday Three, thanks to goals from Lyon winger Ernest Appiah Nuamah and captain Jordan Ayew, though the Malians are expected to pose a tough challenge in the return fixture.
Ghana’s World Cup chances threatened
YEN.com.gh previously examined Ghana’s World Cup prospects after the Black Stars’ away draw with Chad, alongside wins for Madagascar and Mali.
With Group I beginning to tighten and Mali buoyed by their emphatic win over Comoros, Monday’s West African showdown promises to be a tense encounter as Ghana seeks to join the list of qualified teams for the world’s largest football tournament.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
