World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Ghana vs. Mali Head-to-Head Record of All-Time
- Ghana lock horns with Mali for the 26th time when the two nations meet in Accra on Monday in a decisive World Cup 2026 qualifier
- Mali camp is brimming with confidence before the critical encounter against the four-time African champions
- Ghana still lead the qualifying Group I despite dropping important points away at Chad last time out
The rivalry between Ghana and Mali at senior international level is one that has grown in stature over the decades, producing memorable contests and fierce battles across various competitions.
The Black Stars and the Eagles do battle again on Monday, September 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium during Matchday Eight of the CAF World Cup 2026 qualification tournament.
Source: Twitter
Otto Addo's men head into the crucial encounter on the back of dropped points against Chad, where Jordan Ayew’s 17th-minute strike had given them the lead before the hosts secured an 89th-minute equaliser, according to Flashscore.
On the flip side, Mali were in dominant form, edging out Comoros 3-0 at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco on September 3, with the goals coming from Nene Dorgeles, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly.
Ghana vs. Mali head-to-head record
In total, the two West African nations have faced each other 25 times, with Ghana holding the edge. The Black Stars boast 12 victories, Mali have registered six wins, while 7 encounters have ended in stalemates, according to 11 v 11.
The history of this fixture stretches back to 28 August 1960, when Ghana secured a convincing 4–1 win in an international friendly, marking the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
The early years of the rivalry were dominated by the Black Stars, who won four of their opening five fixtures against the Eagles between 1960 and 1974, with the other clash ending in a draw.
Mali’s breakthrough came much later, on 13 April 1975, when they claimed their first victory over Ghana with a 3–1 triumph at home in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Since then, the contest has evolved into one of the more competitive West African rivalries, with both nations trading victories on the continental stage, in World Cup qualifiers and in friendly fixtures.
Across the last 15 meetings between Ghana and Mali, including friendlies, the Black Stars have claimed six wins, Mali five, with four draws, making Monday's clash a cagey encounter.
Source: Twitter
Ghana vs. Mali: Who will win?
The Black Stars, who lead Group I with 16 points afer seven games, are favourites to emerge victorious given their strong record against the Malians, however, Otto Addo's men can sometimes disappointment.
The Black Stars have lost two of their last four competitive home games, 0-1 to Niger in Accra and 0-1 to Angola in Kumasi. Having arrived in Accra brimming with confidence, Mali will draw inspiration from these results as they look to spring a surprise in the Ghanaian capital.
Predicted Ghana starting XI vs. Mali
YEN.com.gh earlier predicted Black Stars of Ghana's starting lineup for their all-important World Cup clash against Mali.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo is expected to ring as many as five changes to the team that drew 1-1 against Chad on September 4.
Source: YEN.com.gh
