Ghana’s Black Stars came from a goal down to beat Mali 2-1 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Thursday, June 6.
After Brest midfielder Kamory Doumbia scored from a goalmouth scramble, which saw the ball bounce off his body after being blocked by defender Alexander Djiku, the Eagles went into the break leading 1-0.
It was in injury time when the match was heading for a goalless first-half and Ghana was beginning to find their rhythm in the game.
Therefore, it came against the run of play.
Doumbia’s Ligue 1 mate Ernest Nuamah scored after the break, in the 58th minute, to restore parity.
He jumped higher than the Malian defence to connect to a deep cross from Salis Abdul Samed, who also plays for Ligue 1 side Lens.
The chances that came the way of both teams in the half were wasted.
In the 5 additional minutes given by referee Amin Omar Mohamed, Ghana proved to be the side that wanted the winner.
Partey was put through by substitute Jordan Ayew but the Arsenal man’s attempt to chip the ball over the Malian goalie failed.
With the game headed for a draw, substitute Ayew capitalised on a similar scramble to score the winner for the Black Stars.
Leicester City’s Fatawu Issahaku had been introduced into the game and his run into the penalty area resulted in the goal.
The Egyptian referee decided not to whistle for penalty as the ball rolled to the foot of Ayew, who slotted the ball in despite a wall of Malian bodies.
By the win, Ghana are joint top of Group I with 6 points.
Mali will drop to 3rd on the log.
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Ghana’s next opponents will be the Central African Republic on Monday.
