Otto Addo Keeps Alexander Djiku’s availability secret ahead of Mali clash

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has declined to confirm whether defender Alexander Djiku will start in Monday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Djiku missed Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena last Thursday after travelling to Moscow for medical checks. His potential return has been a major talking point ahead of the decisive Group I fixture, but Addo insists he will not reveal his line-up plans.

“I will never make statements about who will play or who will not,” Addo told journalists at the pre-match press conference. “It’s not against you, but I don’t want Mali to know who will play. So, I will never make any statements about players who are playing and players who are not. It’s also always good to surprise the opponent. So, that’s why.”

Ghana tops Group I with 16 points, one ahead of Comoros, while Mali sits third on 12 points. Monday’s game at the Accra Sports Stadium is expected to be decisive in the Black Stars’ quest to secure qualification for their fifth FIFA World Cup.