Ghana vs. Mali World Cup Qualifier: Otto Addo's Predicted Black Stars Starting Line-up Drops

• Otto Addo shakes up Ghana’s line-up as the Black Stars prepare for a fierce Mali showdown at the Accra Sports Stadium
• The Black Stars have a strong historical record over the Eagles of Mali, heading into Monday's battle
• Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey returns as Ghana braces for a tougher challenge against Mali

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Ghana’s Black Stars face a defining test against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025, in a key CAF World Cup qualifier.

Otto Addo may shake up his line-up with as many as five changes to counter Mali’s challenge. Leading Group I with 16 points, Ghana cannot afford to slip, while Mali, with 12 points in fourth, are ready to turn the tables.

The Accra Sports Stadium, packed with 40,000 fans, is set to roar as the Black Stars seek redemption after a 1–1 stalemate with Chad.

That draw underscored the urgency of securing full points in crucial upcoming matches. Mali, guided by Tom Saintfiet and buoyed by a 3–0 win over Comoros, is determined to close the gap and threaten Ghana’s top spot.

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With midfielder Elisha Owusu suspended and Ibrahim Sulemana sidelined due to injury, the stakes are higher than ever, according to Stats Zone.

In response, the Ghana FA has confirmed that Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo has received a late call-up and is poised to make his senior international debut.

Adding fresh optimism, defenders Alexander Djiku—absent for the Chad fixture—and Joseph Paintsil have returned to training and are available for selection, giving coach Otto Addo more firepower ahead of this pivotal clash.

Predicted Ghana starting XI vs. Mali

Ghana head coach Otto Addo is poised to make up to five changes to the side that settled for a 1-1 draw in N’Djamena, including a forced switch as Elisha Owusu serves a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Benjamin Asare appears set to remain between the posts, while AS Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu, unused against Chad, could pair with Alexander Djiku in central defence, replacing Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey.

Gideon Mensah, despite mixed recent form, is expected to retain his place, with Tariq Lamptey stepping in for right-back Caleb Yirenkyi to provide extra attacking thrust down the flank.

In midfield, Villarreal star Thomas Partey, recently entangled in a high-profile court case, is set to anchor a double pivot alongside Salis Abdul Samed.

Up front, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo are likely to operate behind captain Jordan Ayew, Ghana’s lone striker.

Possible Ghana XI vs. Mali: GK Benjamin Asare; Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed; Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo; Jordan Ayew.

Meanwhile, in an interview with YEN.com.gh, former Ghana Premier League star Yaw Alexander cautioned head coach Otto Addo against being overly attacking in the upcoming clash with Mali.

According to him, the Eagles thrive on swift transitions and could punish Ghana if they leave spaces behind.

“Mali are lethal on the counter. If Ghana push forward without caution, they’ll leave gaps at the back for the Eagles to exploit. The Black Stars must stay disciplined—one slip could cost them the match,” Yaw cautioned.

Essien confident ahead of Ghana vs. Mali

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien shared a spirited and inspirational video on social media ahead of Monday’s crucial clash against Mali.

The ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan midfielder also visited the Ghana national team during the 2025 Unity Cup in Brentford, offering encouragement and guidance to the players.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh