Ghana sink Mali to boost World Cup hopes
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffGhana 1-0 Mali
Ghana boosted their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 win over Mali in a Group I qualifying encounter.
The Black Stars recalled Thomas Partey to the line-up after starting him on the bench against Chad, while Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew featured too.
After an even opening half, Fenerbahce defender Alexander Djiku connected perfectly with Ayew to break the deadlock.
The Black Stars were able to run down the clock, maintained their advantage at the same time and registered the win.
Zambia 0-2 Morocco
Morocco celebrated their early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Zambia in a Group E qualifier in Lusaka on Monday.
The Atlas Lions named star figures in Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz on the bench, but granted starts to goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and forward Youssef En-Nesyri.
With qualification sealed, the North Africans didn’t take their foot of the pedal and hit the front on seven minutes through En-Nesyri.
Chipolopolo were sliced open again soon after halftime, as Hamza Igamane was on hand to double the lead and record a comprehensive victory.
Guinea 0-0 Algeria
Algeria missed out on early qualification for the finals next June following a frustrating goalless draw against Guinea in Group G.
The Desert Foxes still lead the way atop the standings, but their lead has been narrowed down as Uganda and Mozambique both bagged wins in their respective matches.
As for the Syli National, their chances are all but over and end this phase of the qualifiers in fourth-place on the table.
Mozambique 2-0 Botswana
Mozambique got back in the top-two running in Group G following a 2-0 win over Botswana.
Mambas were buoyed to redeem themselves following the dismal showing at Uganda last Friday and struck the opener on six minutes through Witi.
The Zebras continued to fall short and succumbed completely as Faisal Bangal pounced inside the final minutes to settle the contest.
Uganda 2-0 Somalia
Uganda consolidated second spot in Group G with a 2-0 win over Somalia at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
A well-struck penalty in the sixth minute from Allan Okello handed the Cranes the perfect start.
The trouble didn’t end there for the visitors, who conceded again shortly before the interval through a decent finish from Jude Ssemugabi.
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