Ghana’s Black Stars big 2-1 win over Mali in Bamako has improved the team’s standing in Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Ayew climbed off the bench to score the winner in the 94th minute and complete the Black Stars comeback after conceding a Kamory Doumbia goal in the first half with Ernest Nuamah getting the equalizer in the 56th minute. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
After bagging the win over the 2023 AFCON quarterfinalists, Ghana has moved from fifth place to second place having accrued six points from three games with two wins and a loss.
Heading into the contest, Ghana ranked fifth in the six team standings due to Central African Republic’s 1-0 win over Chad.
However, the win in Bamako moves Ghana to second place ranking behind Group I leaders Comoros though the Island nation has played a game fewer than Ghana.

Three games into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Black Stars have scored three goals and conceded twice to spot a goal difference of +1 ahead of June 10’s clash against Central African Republic in Kumasi.

🤩 Big win on the road! Thanks to our amazing fans who cheered us on in Bamako! 🫶🏾❤️
See you in Kumasi on Monday 👊🏾
🇲🇱 Mali 1️⃣-2️⃣ Ghana 🇬🇭 #BlackStars | #BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/hFt2nGm4B1
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 6, 2024