The lights will shine brightest in Accra tonight, where the Black Stars face Mali in a do-or-die World Cup qualifier. With just two games left, every point matters, and Ghana cannot afford another slip.
With only three matches left before the curtain falls on the campaign, the Black Stars lead the pack on 16 points, but there’s no room for error against a Mali side still dreaming of a top-two finish.
Ghana arrive under pressure after dropping points in N’Djamena. Jordan Ayew’s opener against Chad looked enough to secure victory, but wasted chances from Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus came back to haunt Otto Addo’s men. An 89th-minute strike from the hosts meant the Black Stars had to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw.
That slip narrowed the gap at the top, with Madagascar three points back and Mali lurking four points behind. A win tonight keeps Ghana firmly in control of their qualification hopes; anything less could drag the group into a dramatic final-day scramble. Addo knows how important home advantage will be.
“The whole team was very disappointed after the draw with Chad. Surely, it is easier to play at home in front of our supporters,” he said.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars are unbeaten at home in this qualifying campaign, and their defence has been solid, with just five goals conceded in seven games.
Yet their habit of letting teams back into matches is a concern the fans will hope does not resurface tonight.
Mali, though inconsistent, showed their teeth in a commanding 3-0 win over Comoros last time out. Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly all found the net, reminding everyone of the Eagles’ attacking quality.
Defensively, they remain one of the stingiest in the group, conceding only four times.
Coach Tom Saintfiet brushed aside concerns about the Accra pitch.
“The pitch is for both teams. We’ll play tomorrow on any surface and show our potential,” he said confidently at the post-match conference.
Head-to-Head
• Meetings since 1960: 25
• Ghana wins: 12
• Mali wins: 6
• Draws: 7
Match Venue: Accra Sports Stadium
Time: 7 PM GMT