Ghana will lock horns with Mali in what will be a very fascinating match-day 8 clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Ohene Gyan Stadium.
The game definitely will be a very difficult one for both teams looking at what is at stake as Ghana will look to make amends by winning to redeem themselves and also boost their qualification chances.
Mali however, are gradually building up their points and the win in their last game means qualification is very possible with coach Tom Saintfier aiming at making history by sending them to their first ever FIFA World Cup.
Ghana came from behind to beat Mali by 1-2 in the first leg in Bamako, courtesy two second half goals from Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew.
MATCH PREVIEW
The Black Stars gave away a goal-lead to draw 1-1 against Chad - in a game they performed woefully and have now invited a huge pressure on them to deliver against the Eagles tomorrow.
Jordan Ayew’s close range goal in the 16th minute couldn’t hand Ghana all three points as Celestin Ecua scored late to salvage a draw for ‘Les Sao’ - who earned their first point in the qualifiers.
Ghana after the draw in N’Djamena have bottled the advantage to open a five-point lead at the top of the group and will have to into this game for a redemption.
On the other hand, the Eagles humbled Comoros by an emphatic 3-0 in the last round of matches at the Stade Municipal in Berkane, Morocco to get themselves back on track after a sloppy start.
The victory was sealed thanks to goals from Nene Dorgeles in the 28th minute coupled with two others from Kamory Doumbia and Lassana Coulibaly.
Mali after the win have enhanced their qualification chances as they currently have 12 points - sitting fourth and a win in this fixture will climb them up to the second position.
TEAM NEWS
Coach Otto Addo welcomes back two key players Alexander Djiku and Joseph Paintsil back into the squad for the game coming up after missing the Chad game due to reasons beyond their control.
Elisha Owusu is suspended for this game and his position has been occupied by Real Oviedo midfielder Kwasi Sibo.
With Mali, coach Tom Saintfier will miss starman Yves Bissouma who couldn’t come for this international window but will have his current squad for the game having had no injury concerns from their last game
LINEUPS
GHANA: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Tariq Lamptey, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Kwasi Sibo, Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed, Antoine Semenyo, Joseph Paintsil, Jordan Ayew
MALI: Djigui Diarra, Salim Diakite, Amadou Dante, Sikou Niakate, Amadou Fofana, Lassana Coulibaly, Aliou Dieng, Mamadou Sangare, Nene Dorgeles, Kamory Doumbia, Mustapha Sangare
CHANNELS: SuperSport
KICKOFF: 19:00GMT (7:00pm)
PREDICTION
We say Ghana 2-1 Mali
