Alexander Djiku’s strike proved decisive as Ghana edged Mali 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday night to climb clear at the top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars came into the game under pressure despite leading the group. Last week’s frustrating 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Chad had left the qualification race finely balanced, with Comoros breathing down their necks after beating the Central African Republic 2-0 on Sunday.
That context made victory against Mali essential, and Djiku delivered. The defender reacted quickly in the box to score the only goal of the match, sparking relief and celebration among the home crowd.
The result takes Ghana to 19 points with two fixtures left to play, a return clash with Chad and a showdown against the Central African Republic as the Black Stars push to secure their place at the World Cup in North America.
Full Group I Standings after MatchDay 8 Below:
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Group I
Ghana maintain their lead at the top by 3 points with two more games to go! #HappySports pic.twitter.com/0YnYGk2019
— Happy Sports (@HappySportsGh) September 9, 2025
