2026 World Cup qualifiers: Mali Coach Saintfiet congratulates Black Stars after tight qualifier

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet offered his congratulations to Ghana following his side’s narrow 1–0 defeat in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Accra on Monday.

The match, decided by a second-half goal from Black Stars defender Alexander Djiku, proved crucial in the Group I standings.

In a post-match acknowledgement, Saintfiet recognized Ghana’s victory without further elaboration.

“Congratulations to all the people in Ghana with the victory,” Saintfiet remarked. “It was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium. Ghana didn’t play with 11 players but 12 or 13 — and that helps the team.”

The result leaves Ghana at the top of the group with 19 points, needing only four points from their remaining two games to secure qualification.

Mali, on the other hand, now faces a more challenging path to the World Cup, with the loss dealing a significant blow to their qualification hopes. The Eagles will need strong results in their final matches to keep their dreams of reaching the 2026 tournament alive.