Jordan Ayew came off the bench to emerge as the hero for the Black Stars when he scored the winning goal against Mali in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
Ghana’s 2-1 win over the Eagles of Mali is their first win in 2024 following a run of six win less games.
Mali started on a high note strongly from the blast of the whistle and created clear cut scoring chances. Goalkeeper for Ghana, Lawrence Ati Zigi however, crucial saves to keep the game level. Mali broke the deadlock of the game just before halftime when Kamouri Doumbia’s deflected shot found its way past Ati Zigi.
Ghana started the second half with a renewed sense of urgency and started creating chances. The four-time African champions restored parity in the 58th minute when Ernest Nuamah headed in a pin-point cross from Salis Samed.
Head Coach, Otto Addo went on to make substitutions which proved to be important at the end of the game. One of the substitutes, Jordan Ayew gave Ghana the winner in additional time to ensure Ghana picked the maximum points in Mali.
The win places Ghana second in Group I with 6 points behind Comoros. Ghana will play their next game on 10th June at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi against the Central African Republic.
