Ghana will host Mali on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium in a crucial Group I qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match is pivotal as Ghana currently leads the group with 16 points, while Mali sits third with 12 points, both eager to secure direct qualification or a playoff spot for the tournament next year in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Match Context and Importance
Black Stars are in a strong position to qualify, sitting top of the group but were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Chad in their last game.
This result has increased the pressure on Ghana to secure a win against Mali at home. Mali, the Eagles, have shown promise with a 3-0 win over Comoros to keep their hopes alive. A victory for Mali would tighten the race at the top of the table and keep their qualification hopes burning brightly.
Team News
Ghana faces some challenges with key absences. Thomas Partey is out due to illness; Ibrahim Sulemana has a knee injury, and Elisha Owusu is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Kwasi Sibo has been added to strengthen the midfield. Defender Alexander Djiku is expected to return to bolster the defense alongside possible inclusion of Mohammed Salisu.
Mali, under new coach Tom Saintfiet, faces its own injury issues, missing important midfielders Ibrahima Sissoko and Yves Bissouma. However, the team remains defensively solid, conceding only four goals in the qualifiers to date, with recent attacking improvements.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Ghana holds the advantage in this rivalry. Since their first meeting in 1960, the teams have clashed 25 times, with Ghana winning 12 matches, Mali 6, and 7 ending in draws. In more recent encounters, Ghana has won more often, including a 2-1 victory in Mali last year. Nonetheless, Mali defeated Ghana 3-0 in a 2020 friendly, underscoring the competitive nature of this matchup.
Predicted Lineups
- Ghana (likely 4-2-3-1): Benjamin Asare; Gideon Mensah, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Jerome Opoku; Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed; Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams; Jordan Ayew (captain and lone striker).
- Mali (likely 4-3-3): Diarra; Diakite, Niakate, Dante, Nene; Coulibaly, Dieng, Fofana; Doumbia, Traore, Sangare.
Match Prediction
Ghana’s unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers stretching over two decades, combined with their attacking prowess led by Jordan Ayew, makes them strong favorites to secure three points. Mali’s disciplined defense and recent attacking form promise a tight contest, but Ghana are expected to edge this one narrowly.
Predicted score: Ghana 2-1 Mali
This match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive on West African soil.
