Ghana produced a splendid 1-2 comeback away win over Mali in Bamako to move second in the Group I standings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ernest Nuamah restored parity before Jordan Ayew scored the late winner after Kamory Doumbia had given the home team the lead a minute just before halftime.
The hard work of the 5-man defense of the Black Stars was undone by an unfortunate deflection, which goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi couldn’t react quickly to as Mali grabbed the first goal just before halftime through Kamory Doumbia.
Otto Addo’s men were left aggrieved by the match officials’ questionable decision in the first half.
Ghana went into the second half on the ascendency, looking for a quick equalizer, as Antoine Semenyo couldn’t reach Tariq Lamptey’s low cross into the penalty box.
The persistency of the Ghanaians paid off just before the hour mark as Abdul Salis Samed’s cross from the right was met by the head of Ernest Nuamah to bring his side level.
Mali’s head coach, Eric Chelle, responded to the setback with the introduction of 21-year-old Nene Dorgeles, who looked to cause havoc, but the defense of Ghana remained resolute.
Jordan Ayew scored the winner in the 94th minute thanks to excellent work from Issahaku Fatawu on the left to find his teammate, who controlled the ball to smash it past Malian keeper Samassa to hand Ghana a well-deserved win.
Ghana will take on the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10, 2024, in the next round of qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
