Ghana maintained top spot in Group I after a crucial 1-0 victory over Mali in the ongoing qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars ensured that a hard-fought win at the Accra Sports Stadium was enough to secure all three points.
After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came just four minutes into the second period through Alexander Djiku. The defender rose highest to head home from a corner delivered by captain Jordan Ayew.
The Malian goalkeeper should have dealt with the ball, but a lapse in concentration allowed Djiku to find the net from the far post.
Mali made several attacking changes in search of an equaliser, introducing fresh legs, but their efforts were repeatedly denied by a disciplined Black Stars backline anchored by the evergreen Thomas Partey.
The victory, celebrated by an ecstatic home crowd, extended Ghana’s lead at the top of Group I to three points. With 19 points from eight games,
Ghana remain firmly in control of their qualification path, followed by Madagascar (16), Comoros (15), Mali (12), Central African Republic (5) and Chad (1).
With their grip on Group I tightening, the Black Stars will now look to build on this momentum as the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico continues.
