2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet Eyes Historic Win Over Ghana

• Ghana lock horns with Mali for the 26th time when the two nations meet in Accra in a decisive World Cup 2026 qualifier
• Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has set his sights on a famous victory against the Black Stars on Monday
• Ghana still lead the qualifying Group I despite dropping important points away at Chad last time out

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Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has declared his ambition to secure a landmark victory as his team prepares to take on Ghana in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday.

The Black Stars will host the Eagles at the Accra Sports Stadium in Matchday 8 of the CAF Group I qualifying campaign, with both sides eyeing vital points in the race for a World Cup ticket.

Ghana, currently sitting top of Group I with 16 points, are under pressure to respond after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Chad in their last outing.

Jordan Ayew had given Otto Addo’s men an early lead in the 17th minute, but an 89th-minute equaliser left the Black Stars with just a point.

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With only three games left, Ghana know that a win on Monday could put them on the brink of securing first place in the group, guaranteeing direct qualification to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Mali, meanwhile, are third with 12 points, one behind second-placed Madagascar and four behind their hosts.

Despite the gap, the Eagles remain confident of at least making the playoffs. Their confidence has been boosted by an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros in their previous match, a performance they are eager to replicate against Ghana.

Speaking to the media after Mali’s arrival in Accra, Saintfiet admitted that Ghana are the strongest side in the group.

However, he emphasised that his team is motivated and determined to upset the odds as they chase their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.

"Ghana is the best team in our group. They are 4 points ahead of us, but we are here to make history and win here," he said.

"We will make everything possible to qualify for the World Cup," he added.

Ghana vs. Mali head-to-head record

In total, the two West African nations have faced each other 25 times, with Ghana holding the edge. The Black Stars boast 12 victories, Mali have registered six wins, while 7 encounters have ended in stalemates, according to 11 v 11.

The history of this fixture stretches back to 28 August 1960, when Ghana secured a convincing 4–1 win in an international friendly, marking the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

The early years of the rivalry were dominated by the Black Stars, who won four of their opening five fixtures against the Eagles between 1960 and 1974, with the other clash ending in a draw.

Mali’s breakthrough came much later, on 13 April 1975, when they claimed their first victory over Ghana with a 3–1 triumph at home in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Since then, the contest has evolved into one of the more competitive West African rivalries, with both nations trading victories on the continental stage, in World Cup qualifiers and in friendly fixtures.

Across the last 15 meetings between Ghana and Mali, including friendlies, the Black Stars have claimed six wins, Mali five, with four draws, making Monday's clash a cagey encounter.

Predicted Ghana starting XI vs. Mali

YEN.com.gh earlier predicted Black Stars of Ghana's starting lineup for their all-important World Cup clash against Mali.

Ghana head coach Otto Addo is expected to ring as many as five changes to the team that drew 1-1 against Chad on September 4.

Source: YEN.com.gh