Ghana's Black Stars took a crucial step forward in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The solitary goal came from defender Alexander Djiku in the 52nd minute, heading in a corner from captain Jordan Ayew to secure all three points in this key Group I clash.
This result moves Ghana to the top of Group I with 19 points from eight matches, three points clear of second-placed Comoros, who have a game in hand, and putting the four-time African champions firmly in the driving seat for a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
While qualification isn't sealed yet the win against a tough Malian side has reignited hopes after a rocky start to the campaign under coach Otto Addo. Next up for Ghana is a tricky away fixture against Central African Republic on October 8, 2025, where another positive result could inch them even closer to ending their World Cup absence since 2014.
