Ghana’s preparations for Monday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali have been dealt a major setback after midfield workhorse Elisha Owusu was officially ruled out through suspension.
The French-born Auxerre star will serve a one-match ban following the accumulation of yellow cards during the qualification campaign, leaving head coach Otto Addo scrambling for options ahead of the crunch Group I showdown at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Owusu’s absence comes at a time when Ghana’s midfield ranks are already stretched thin. Arsenal star Thomas Partey is sidelined by illness, while Ibrahim Sulemana is nursing a knee injury, creating a selection headache for Addo as he attempts to steer the Black Stars closer to a fifth World Cup appearance.
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In a swift response, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has drafted in Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo as cover. The Spain-based midfielder has been enjoying a breakout campaign in LaLiga 2 and is expected to link up with the national team in Accra before the Mali clash.
The stakes could not be higher. Ghana sit atop Group I with 16 points from seven games, but their lead is slim, with both Madagascar and Mali breathing down their necks. Monday’s encounter is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the Black Stars’ qualification journey, and the absence of Owusu’s tenacity and tactical discipline will be deeply felt.
With injuries and suspensions threatening to derail preparations, Addo will now rely on Ghana’s depth and home support to secure a result that could define their road to North America 2026.
