2026 FIFA WCQ Preview: 4 Mali Players to Watch Against Ghana’s Black Stars
- The Black Stars will lock horns with Mali in a must-win clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8
- Anything short of victory could deal a heavy blow to Ghana’s hopes of securing a fifth World Cup appearance
- YEN.com.gh spotlights four Malian stars capable of disrupting the ambitions of the four-time African champions
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Ghana marched into September’s round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers riding high on victories over Chad and Madagascar.
The Black Stars topped Group I with a comfortable lead, looking every bit like a side in control of their destiny.
However, football often has a way of turning the tables. A late collapse in N’Djamena allowed Chad to grab a point, and results elsewhere, particularly Comoros’ thumping of the Central African Republic on Sunday, have tightened the race.
Source: Getty Images
Nonetheless, Otto Addo’s men remain first in the group, but only by a single point.
The margin for error has narrowed, and the timing could not be more precarious, with Mali's arrival in Accra scheduled for Monday, September 8.
The Eagles, always stubborn opponents, are brimming with momentum after crushing Comoros 3-0.
Ghana, aiming to keep its grip on the top spot, will need to watch out for four Malian stars capable of unsettling its plans.
Source: Twitter
Four Malian players who could trouble Ghana
4. Lassana Coulibaly
Mali, much like Ghana, has long been blessed with quality midfielders. Even without Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma, coach Tom Saintfiet has not been left short in the engine room.
Stepping up with authority is Lassana Coulibaly, who scored in the 3-0 victory over Comoros, per 365 scores.
Watch a video of Coulibaly below:
The Italy-based dynamo thrives on powerful runs from deep, relentless pressing, and a knack for arriving in goal-scoring positions.
His partnership with Aliou Dieng has become the heartbeat of this Malian side, and they could go toe-to-toe with Ghana’s trio of Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed, and Kwasi Sibo.
3. Dorgeles Nene
On the flanks, Dorgeles Nene is a player who can torment any fullback. The 22-year-old’s pace, directness, and eye for goal make him a dangerous prospect, especially against a Ghana backline that has struggled to find stability.
Watch Dorgeles' match highlights below:
With Derrick Kohn’s paperwork still incomplete, Gideon Mensah out of form, Caleb Yirenkyi deployed out of position, and Tariq Lamptey short of fitness, Nene will fancy his chances.
He already proved his cutting edge with a goal against Comoros, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
2. Kamory Doumbia
Another 22-year-old brimming with promise is Kamory Doumbia. The creative midfielder blends intelligence with flair, often finding pockets of space where he can dictate play.
His dribbling, ability to carry the ball at pace, and knack for drawing fouls make him a constant nuisance for defenders.
Doumbia’s positional awareness allows him to slip between lines and turn harmless possession into danger, which is exactly the kind of threat Otto Addo’s men must contain.
1. Mustapha Sangare
While not the flashiest name on the team sheet, Mustapha Sangare brings a very different problem.
At 1.96 metres tall, the 26-year-old striker thrives on physical battles, using his frame to unsettle defenders and create havoc during set pieces.
Mali coach eyes historic win against Ghana
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has set his sights on making history as his side prepares to face Ghana in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Upon the team’s arrival in Accra, Saintfiet acknowledged Ghana as the strongest team in the group but stressed that his players are fired up and ready to defy the odds in pursuit of their maiden World Cup appearance.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
