Ghana vs. Mali: Key Matchup for World Cup Qualification
The Black Stars, led by head coach Otto Addo, are set to face Mali in a crucial match for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. This game takes on added importance as Ghana looks to climb from fifth place in Group I after the Central African Republic’s recent victory over Chad.
Team News and Updates
Mali:
Mali will be without their captain, Hamari Traore, who is serving a four-match suspension from the Africa Cup of Nations due to unsporting conduct towards a match official. Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma is sidelined with an injury. However, Mamadou Fofana and Salim Diankate have been called up for the first time and may make their international debuts.
Ghana:
Otto Addo made headlines by dropping team captain Andre Ayew last month and bringing in several rising talents, including Ibrahim Sulemana and Brandon Thomas-Asante. The squad also sees notable absences due to injuries, including Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, Baba Iddrisu, Nathaniel Adjei, Denis Odoi, and Daniel Amartey.
Thomas Partey has been appointed as the new captain, with Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana returning to the squad after missing the AFCON due to injury.
Predicted Lineups
Mali Possible Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Diarra
- Defenders: Sacko, Kouyate, Sagnan
- Midfielders: Guindo, Coulibaly, Samassekou, Haidara, Doumbia
- Forwards: Toure, Sinayoko
Ghana Possible Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ati-Zigi
- Defenders: Lamptey, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah
- Midfielders: Owusu, Partey, Issahaku, Kudus, J. Ayew
- Forward: Semenyo
Pre-Match Comments from Otto Addo
“It’s a very important match for us. We are one point behind Mali and we have to win to give us a chance of qualifying to the World Cup. Mali are a very strong team. They have young talent in their team and it will be a tough game for us tomorrow.”
Match Details
- Date: Thursday night
- Time: 19:00 GMT
- Venue: Bamako
The Black Stars aim to secure maximum points to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, with a win potentially elevating them to second place in the group standings.
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