The Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Mali in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Otto Addo’s men head into this fixture determined to bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Chad on Thursday, September 4. With the race for qualification heating up, Ghana cannot afford to drop points, as the margins at the top of Group I are razor-thin.
Current Group I Standings (After 7 Matches)
- Ghana – 16 points
- Comoros – 15 points
- Madagascar – 13 points
- Mali – 12 points
The Black Stars currently sit at the summit, but only one point separates them from Comoros, while Madagascar and Mali remain dangerous contenders with two rounds of fixtures left after this clash. Victory against Mali would be a massive boost to Ghana’s qualification hopes ahead of the final matches in October.
Mali, meanwhile, arrive in Accra with confidence, having dismantled Comoros 3-0 in their last outing. Their young and energetic side will be looking to upset the Black Stars and close the gap on the group leaders.
Atmosphere in Accra
The Accra Sports Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity as fans rally behind the Black Stars. With qualification hopes on the line, Ghanaians will be counting on stars like Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Antoine Semenyo to deliver an emphatic performance under the floodlights.
This clash is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the campaign, with both nations aware that anything less than victory could damage their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
