Fifa 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beat Mali 2-1 to claim first victory in 2024

Ghana, winless in 7 games in 2024, broke their streak after pipping Mali 2-1 at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako tonight, as goals from Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew helped the Stars sparkle in Bamako.

In a relatively uneventful first half – which was seconds about ending- Mali shot ahead with a goal from a narrow angle.

Kamari Doumbia’s shot, which deflected off Djiku on to his head, managed to find the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi glued to the spot.

The recess, couldn’t come quickly enough for the insipid Stars who were, indeed, seeing stars – with Mali running rings around Ghana’s defence throughout the half.

The half time team talk, delivered by Otto Addo, seem to work wonders for the Black Stars, and when Salis Samed – a pedestrian throughout the game- delivered a pinpoint cross into the box just before the hour mark, Ernest Nuamah rose at the far post to nod in to pull Ghana level.

The momentum swang, Ghana began to assert themselves on the game; carving half chances through Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.

However, the winning goal came in the dying embers of the game as Jordan Ayew powered in from close range to secure all three points for the Black Stars in Bamako.

Ghana, who will be traveling back to Kumasi immediately to prepare for their second game against Central African Republic, move to six points in group I.

–

Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh