2026 World Cup qualifiers: Why Thomas Partey Could Miss Ghana's Clash Against Mali
- Thomas Partey is a major doubt for Ghana's upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Mali on Monday
- The ex-Arsenal star was already sidelined against Chad after falling ill on the eve of the match in N’Djamena, forcing him out of the squad
- Ghana remain top of Group I with 16 points, and a win over Mali would further strengthen their hold on the summit
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is facing a race against time to be fit for the Black Stars’ crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mali on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium will be decisive for both nations, with Ghana currently leading Group I but under immense pressure to avoid any slip-ups.
Source: Getty Images
With just two rounds of qualifiers remaining, the Black Stars hold a slender advantage, while Mali remain firmly in contention for a top-two finish.
Ghana entered the September window on a high, but a costly lapse in concentration saw them concede a stoppage-time equaliser against Chad, resulting in a 1-1 draw, per Sports Mole.
That setback exposed vulnerabilities in Otto Addo’s side and underlined the importance of key players like Partey in maintaining control in midfield.
For Mali, the stakes are just as high. After a mixed qualifying campaign marred by too many draws, the Eagles reignited their hopes with a dominant 3-0 win over Comoros, setting up Monday’s clash as a potentially decisive showdown.
However, Ghana’s preparations have been dealt a blow.
Reports from Modern Ghana suggest that Partey could miss the Mali fixture as he continues to recover from illness.
The Villarreal midfielder was already sidelined against Chad after falling ill on the eve of the match in N’Djamena, forcing him out of the squad.
His absence was keenly felt as Ghana surrendered two valuable points late in the game.
The reports further indicate that Partey has yet to fully recover since the team’s return to Accra on Friday.
Having missed training sessions, he is now a serious doubt for Monday’s clash, leaving Otto Addo and his staff sweating over the availability of their influential midfielder.
Sulemana, Owusu to miss Mali clash
The Ghana FA has also noted that midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana also sustained a knee injury during the team’s final training session in Chad, while Elisha Owusu will be unavailable through suspension after picking up successive yellow cards.
Their absence robs Otto Addo of a combative option in midfield.
However, their 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.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form in Spain’s Segunda División, featuring in all three league matches so far this season.
There was some relief for the technical team, however, as Joseph Paintsil and Alexander Djiku—both of whom missed the Chad fixture—have rejoined camp.
Ghana remain top of Group I with 16 points, but with three matches left to play, the Black Stars cannot afford to slip if they are to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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
