South African referee Badi Luxolo to officiate Ghana–Mali World Cup qualifier in Accra

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed South African referee Badi Luxolo as the centre referee for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier against Mali on Monday. 

The 30-year-old Luxolo will be supported by compatriot Cledwin Baloyi as Assistant Referee II and Lesotho’s Phatsoane Souru as Assistant Referee I. Namibia’s Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo will act as the fourth official. Moroccan referee Guezzaz Mohammed has been named Referee Assessor, while Kachalla Babagana Kalli from Nigeria will serve as the Match Commissioner.

The crucial Group I fixture will kick off at 7:00 p.m. local time at the Accra Sports Stadium, where Ghana will be seeking to tighten their grip at the top of the table after drawing 1-1 with Chad last Thursday.

The Black Stars currently lead the group with 16 points, just one ahead of Comoros, who moved into second place on 15 points after beating the Central African Republic earlier on Sunday. Madagascar follow with 13 points, Mali sit on 12, the Central African Republic have 5, and Chad remain bottom with a single point.