Ghana vs. Mali World Cup qualifier: Eagles All Smiles Ahead of Crucial Black Stars Clash, Photos
- Ghana boss Otto Addo is likely to shake up his starting line-up after the 1–1 draw with Chad last time out
- Midfield star Thomas Partey is also in line to feature, having appeared in court in England last month
- Mali camp is brimming with confidence before the critical encounter against the four-time African champions
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Mali were in high spirits as they held their first training session in Accra ahead of Monday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the Black Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.
Ghana currently sit top of Group I with 16 points from seven matches, but head into Monday’s clash in low spirits after dropping points against Chad.
In contrast, Mali arrived in Accra full of energy and confidence following their dominant win over Comoros.
Source: Twitter
Mali are third with 12 points and chasing hard as Group I heats up ahead of Matchday 8 of the CAF World Cup qualification series.
The 40,000-capacity Accra Sports Stadium is expected to be buzzing with anticipation as Ghana seeks to bounce back from a disappointing 1–1 draw against Chad on September 4 in N'Djamena.
The Black Stars' slip-up has intensified the need for maximum points, especially with Tom Saintfiet’s Mali arriving full of confidence after their emphatic 3–0 win over Comoros.
It is worth noting that the Black Stars edged Mali 2-1 in Bamako during Matchday Three of the qualifiers in June last year, a result that will motivate the Eagles to avoid suffering a second defeat to the same opponent, according to Stats Zone.
Source: Twitter
Meanwhile, Ghana boss Otto Addo faces some selection headaches, with Elisha Owusu suspended and Ibrahim Sulemana sidelined by injury.
In response, the Ghana FA confirmed a late call-up for Real Oviedo midfielder Kwasi Sibo, who could make his senior debut against the Eagles.
On the positive side, dependable defender Alexander Djiku and winger Joseph Paintsil have returned to full training and are in contention for selection.
A win would not only keep Ghana’s World Cup qualification hopes alive but also strengthen their control at the summit of the group.
Check out the predicted Ghana XI vs. Mali for Monday's showdown.
GK Benjamin Asare; Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed; Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo; Jordan Ayew.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Accra battle, in an interview with YEN.com.gh, former Asante Kotoko and BA United striker Stephen Manu advised the Black Stars to be more ruthless after taking the lead. He pointed to the 1–1 draw with Chad, where Ghana scored first but allowed a late equaliser, as a lesson to learn from.
“At this level, when you score first, you must kill the game. Against Chad we relaxed, and it cost us dearly. If Ghana wants to qualify, they must be clinical and finish teams off the moment they are on top.”
Essien inspires Black Stars
YEN.com.gh earlier highlighted how Ghana icon Michael Essien indirectly urged the Black Stars on with a spirited video on social media before their crunch game against Mali.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder also took time to visit the team during the 2025 Unity Cup in Brentford, offering guidance and encouragement.
Source: YEN.com.gh
