Ghana coach Otto Addo has vowed that the Black Stars will throw everything into their clash with Mali on Monday, describing the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifier in Accra as a defining moment in their campaign.
The Black Stars head into the must-win fixture under pressure after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Chad last Thursday in N’Djamena. Jordan Ayew’s early strike looked to have secured victory for Ghana, but Celestine Ecau’s late equaliser denied them all three points, tightening the race in Group I.
“We will deliver”: Black Stars promise Ghanaians ahead of Mali showdown
Despite that setback, Addo insists his side remain firmly in control of their qualification hopes. Comoros’ 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic over the weekend has added extra weight to Monday’s match, but the 48-year-old says the team’s mindset is unchanged.
“The positive truth is that nothing and the status quo have not changed. Comoros have won their game, and they have got closer, but for us, nothing has changed,” Addo told reporters on Sunday.
“We want to beat Mali at home tomorrow, and that is what we expect to do. The only positive thing about Chad is that we still have it in our own hands, and we can decide our destiny, so we will put in everything to win against Mali.”
👊🏾 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 – We face Mali tonight under the lights at the Accra Sports Stadium. 🏟️
⏱️ Kick off: 7:00 PM!
Come in your numbers and let’s cheer the team on together! 🙌🏾#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/Vaq514lrPz
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 8, 2025
The Accra Sports Stadium will host the encounter, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT. Ghana, four-time African champions, are chasing a fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, and a win would strengthen their push for top spot in the group.
