Ghana’s World Cup fate in their own hands after gritty Mali win

A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday night has placed Ghana’s Black Stars on the brink of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their destiny now firmly within their control.

The crucial win, sealed by a second-half goal from defender Alexander Djiku, propelled Ghana to the summit of Group I with 19 points.

More importantly, it means Otto Addo’s side requires just four points from their final two matches to secure an automatic berth in the tournament.

The path is clear: Ghana will face the Central African Republic (CAR) away and Comoros at home in the October international window. A win and a draw from these two fixtures will be enough to guarantee their passage to North America, regardless of other results in the group.

The victory over Mali was a testament to grit over flair. After a disappointing draw to Chad last Thursday, the Black Stars displayed the defensive resilience necessary for a successful qualifying campaign, weathering a fierce second-half onslaught from Mali to protect their slender lead.

With the pressure at its peak, the Black Stars have simplified the equation. Four points stand between them and a place to the world’s biggest football stage.