2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Five things we learnt as Ghana beat Mali

The Black Stars of Ghana have taken a huge step toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over group favourites Mali. 

The victory also ends Mali's dreams of reaching the World Cup for the first time while Madagascar and Comoros mount pressure on the Black Stars ahead of the final two matches in October.

Fenerbahce defender Alexander Djiku netted the winner in the 49th minute after fortuitously meeting a well-taken Jordan Ayew corner kick.

GHANASoccernet.com learnt five things from the game against Mali in Accra.

Caleb Yirenkyi seals spot in Black Stars 

In his first two competitive games, the 19-year-old proved why Otto Addo kept faith in him ahead of the more experienced Tariq Lamptey. Yirenkyi's performance against Mali was one of the best from a Ghanaian player on the pitch. The FC Nordsjaelland right-back defended solidly and was a threat going forward. His elusive long strike led to the corner kick which resulted in the goal. On the right side, he linked up very well with Mohammed Kudus.

Partey and Sibo partnership flourishes 

Few weeks after facing each other as rivals in La Liga, Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo lined up together in a game for Ghana. It was the first time the duo will play together. Partey offered experience while Sibo presented Ghanaians with grit. As the game wore on, Sibo matched the Malians physically, bullying the well-imposed figures of the opposition midfield. The new partnership could offer coach Otto Addo a new dynamic away from the usual pair of either Salis Abdul Samed and Elisha Owusu or the former with Partey.

Djiku proves importance 

Since making his debut for the Black Stars, the French-born Ghanaian has endeared himself to fans of the Black Stars with selfless performances. Even on bad days such as the defeat to Cape Verde at AFCON 2025, Djiku shone. Ghana's failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 could partly be blamed on his absence in four matches. In the 1-1 draw with Chad, his absence was hugely felt. He might not be the very best defender but he offers leadership at the back and whenever he is needed he comes to the party. As they say, cometh the hour, cometh the man and should Ghana qualify for the World Cup, Djiku's moment will be curucial.

Asare saves Ghana 

Since Otto Addo confirmed Benjamin Asare as his first-choice, the Hearts of Oak goalie has grown in confidence. Although, there were few nervy moments, the 33-year-old made some important saves and was bold in his aerial decisions. His ability to have a command on his defenders also played to his strength.

Addo's back three system key to victory 

Heading into the game, the German-trained coach has come under a lot of pressure, with many accusing his tactics for the draw with Chad. However, he tweaked his team and brought on the experienced Mohammed Salisu and Djiku alongside Jonas Adjetey. The three-back afforded Ghana to take advantage of the width, which saw Yirenkyi and Gideon Mensah join the attack without having to worry about their cover. While Adjetey was jittery, the experience of Salisu and Djiku made up for his nervousness.

By Lukman Abdul Mumin