Ghana’s Black Stars engineered a stunning comeback in a pulsating encounter at the Stade du 26 Mars to defeat hosts Mali 2-1 in a crucial Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. ,
The hard-fought away victory, Ghana’s first in six games, propelled them to joint-top of the group alongside Comoros, who lead on goal difference.
The match began with the Eagles asserting their home advantage, bombarding the Ghanaian goal. Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, however, was in inspired form.
His heroics in the fifth minute, denying a left-footed strike from a Malian attacker, set the tone for a resilient defensive display.
Despite Mali’s early pressure, Ghana gradually found their rhythm. Mohammed Kudus, the West Ham United midfielder, had two attempts on goal, both narrowly off target. As halftime loomed, it seemed the teams would head into the break level.
However, Mali’s Kamory Doubia broke the deadlock in injury time, his strike deflecting off Ghana’s Alexander Djiku to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw a resurgent Ghanaian side. In the 58th minute, Ernest Nuamah, the Olympique Lyon forward, rose majestically to head home a brilliant cross from Salis Abdul Samed, silencing the home crowd with the equalizer.
As the clock wound down, both teams pushed for a winner. Ghana’s Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey came close, but his one-on-one effort was thwarted by the Malian goalkeeper.
Just when it seemed Ghana would leave with a hard-earned point, Jordan Ayew intervened. In the dying moments of added time, the Crystal Palace striker fired past the Malian defense, snatching all three points for the Black Stars.
The Black Stars will look to build on this momentum when they host Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in their next qualifier.
With this gritty away win, Ghana’s resilience has reignited their World Cup dreams and sent a strong message to their qualifying group rivals.
Ghana will play host to Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
