Ibrahim Sulemana: Why New Bologna Midfielder Will Miss Ghana vs Mali WCQ in Accra
- Ghana's Black Stars have suffered an injury setback ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali
- The said player picked up a knee injury during training before the 1-1 draw with Chad on Thursday, September 4
- Ghana remains top of Group I with 16 points, and a win over Mali would further strengthen their hold on the summit
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Ghana’s hopes of bouncing back in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have taken a hit after young midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana was ruled out of the crunch tie against Mali in Accra.
The 22-year-old picked up a knee problem during training in N'Djamena last Wednesday, which forced him out of the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw with Chad.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana suffers injury blow ahead of Mali clash
According to Ghanafa.org, Sulemana will leave camp on Saturday night to return to Bologna, where he is expected to undergo further checks.
His absence robs Otto Addo of a combative option in midfield.
However, his spot has been filled by Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo, who joined the squad on Saturday morning after receiving a late invitation.
Originally overlooked in the 24-man list, the Spain-based midfielder now gets a chance to stake his claim.
Sharing his thoughts on Sulemana’s untimely injury and Kwasi Sibo’s call-up, Stephen Zando of Luv FM told YEN.com.gh:
“It’s unfortunate that Ibrahim Sulemana will miss such a crucial game, and I wish him a speedy recovery, especially after completing his move from Atalanta to Bologna.
"That said, Ghana has always been blessed with quality midfielders, which makes Kwasi Sibo’s inclusion a welcome boost. Looking ahead, the Black Stars’ technical team must cast the net wider and select from a broader pool of talent.”
Black Stars face Mali with World Cup qualification on the line
Ghana’s setback against Chad has heightened the stakes for Monday’s game at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Having demolished Les Sao 5-0 in March, the Black Stars were tipped to repeat the feat in N'Djamena but wasted several opportunities after Jordan Ayew’s early opener.
Source: Twitter
A late equaliser left them frustrated and with only a point to show.
Next up is Mali, a side that hit top gear at just the wrong time for Ghana. The Eagles thrashed Comoros 3-0 in Bamako to reignite their qualification hopes, as noted by Sports World Ghana.
Watch highlights of Mali's emphatic win:
Still, the Black Stars can take comfort from recent history. Last November, they stunned the Malians with a comeback win in Bamako.
In their last five meetings, Ghana have claimed three victories, drawn once, and lost just once.
Their duels have often been dramatic. The last World Cup qualifier between the two sides on Ghanaian soil ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw in Kumasi back in 2009, with Anthony Annan striking late to rescue a point.
More recently, in March, the Stars silenced Mali again with a 2-1 triumph after coming from behind.
Watch the highlights:
With three games left and two of them at home, Ghana’s path to North America remains in their hands.
Monday night’s clash is not only about points but also about rekindling belief among supporters.
Black Stars prepared to bounce back
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Otto Addo expressed confidence that his Black Stars side is prepared to bounce back following their setback against Chad.
Despite his optimism, the 50-year-old coach continues to face heavy criticism from disgruntled Ghanaian fans who hold him accountable for the 1-1 stalemate.
Source: YEN.com.gh
