Alex Djiku’s solitary goal proved to be the match-winner between the Black Stars of Ghana and Mali in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Both teams came into the game with the sole ambition of picking all three points, but it was the home team who showed what it meant to them by edging out the victors at the end of game proceedings.
The first half failed to produce any goals, with both teams cancelling each other tactically.
READ MORE: WCQ26: Djiku’s header aids BlackStars over Mali in Accra
Otto Addo deployed a variant 3-4-3 system, enabling the full-backs Caleb Yirenkyi and Gideon Mensah to make runs on the lines during the course of the game.
On the other hand, Tom Saintfiet deployed a 4-2-3-1, which quelled the Black Stars of any creativity in the heart of the game, limiting them to just a single shot on target in the first half.
In the second half, the home team played with a bit more urgency, pace, and purpose to the first half.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS :
Yirenkyi’s marauding cross or shot nearly found the back of the net but was smartly tipped over by Djigui Diarra.
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The resulting corner by Jordan was intelligently tapped in by Alex Djiku in the 48th minute.
Both teams had chances in equal measure to change the score line of the game, but the home team held on to crucially pick a home win.
The Black Stars top the pack with 19 points, three points off Madagascar, seven points off Mali, with the October qualifiers looming.
