Ghana will face Mali in the all important FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
Mali, currently in second place in Group I with four points from two matches, will be up against Ghana, who holds the fourth position with three points from their two games.
Comoros leads the group with a flawless record of two wins and will definitely present a tough challenge for both teams, having already defeated the Central African Republic and Ghana, establishing themselves as the team to watch out for.
In their previous meeting in October 2020, Mali emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 win over the Black Stars in a friendly match held in Turkey.
Despite this, Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo is determined to clinch a victory in this crucial game to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
He recognizes the Malian team’s strength, particularly their emerging young talents who have been making an impact in the football scene.
Since taking over from Chris Hughton following a disappointing AFCON campaign, Addo has yet to guide his team to a win.
Ghana’s last triumph was in November against Madagascar, and they have struggled to secure a victory in any of their matches this year, resulting in a seven-game winless streak, marking the Black Stars’ poorest form in the past decade.
On the other hand, Mali will be without their captain Hamari Traore due to suspension for a red card received in the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire. Also, Yvess Bissouma wouldn’t be available.
The Black Stars will benefit from the return of West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey to the squad.
Possible line-ups:
Mali possible starting lineup:
Diarra; Sacko, Kouyate, Sagnan; Guindo, Coulibaly, Samassekou, Haidara, Doumbia; Toure, Sinayoko
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Owusu, Partey, Issahaku, Kudus, J Ayew; Semenyo
Match Prediction:
Mali 1-1 Ghana
