{"id":93286,"date":"2025-09-08T21:14:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:14:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=93286"},"modified":"2025-09-08T21:14:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:14:42","slug":"world-cup-2026q-djiku-scores-crucial-goal-as-black-stars-beat-mali-in-accra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=93286","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2026Q: Djiku scores crucial goal as Black Stars beat Mali in Accra"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ghana\u2019s Black Stars bounced back to winning ways in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as they defeated Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.<\/p>\n

The fixture, which was played on Monday, September 8, saw Alexander Djiku score the only goal of the game in the 49th minute.<\/p>\n

Otto Addo made four changes to the team that faced Chad in the last game with Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo all coming in.<\/p>\n

The game saw just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes of the game, going in the way of Mali.<\/p>\n

However, the clearest chance of the half went in Ghana\u2019s favour when Antoine Semenyo\u2019s shot went just wide of the post after Mohammed Kudus\u2019 run down the right flank.<\/p>\n

The two teams went into the break with nothing to separate them.<\/p>\n

However, just three minutes into the second half, Djiku, who was one of four changes made by Otto Addo, finished off a Jordan Ayew cross to open the scoring.<\/p>\n

The corner that led to a goal was as a result of Caleb Yirenkyi\u2019s effort which came off the crossbar and was subsequently cleared out.<\/p>\n

Having taken the lead, Ghana\u2019s defence got busier from there with Benjamin Asare being forced into some good saves.<\/p>\n

Djiku and Mohammed Salisu were also called on a few occasions, making some good clearances to keep the score in Ghana\u2019s favor.<\/p>\n

Thomas Partey spared the blushes of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare when he made a timely clearance to deny Mali from drawing level.<\/p>\n

Despite Mali\u2019s late pressure, the Black Stars were able to hold them off and secure all three points at the Accra Sports Stadium.<\/p>\n

The win means Ghana go three points clear at the top of Group I and ahead of Madagascar ahead of the next round of qualifiers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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