By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Black Stars of Ghana took on the Eagles of Mali in their third game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Bamako, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory. This win propelled the Black Stars to second place in their group, accumulating 6 points from a possible 9. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with dramatic saves, strategic plays, and last-minute heroics.
From the onset, the Eagles of Mali applied relentless pressure on the Ghanaian defence with a series of attacking moves. Despite their best efforts, the Malian forwards were repeatedly thwarted by Ghana’s goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Ati-Zigi made two spectacular saves in the early minutes, keeping the Black Stars in the game and frustrating Mali’s attempts to take an early lead. His performance was a key factor in maintaining Ghana’s defensive resilience during a tense first half.
However, Mali eventually broke through just before the halftime whistle. Kamory Doumbia found the back of the net in the 45th minute, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The goal was the result of a well-executed play that caught the Ghanaian defence off guard.
Ghana came out with renewed vigour after the break, determined to turn the tide in their favour. Their efforts paid off in the 58th minute when Ernest Nuamah scored a brilliant equalizer. Nuamah capitalised on a pinpoint cross from Salis Samed, showcasing excellent timing and precision. The goal not only levelled the score but also reignited Ghana’s hopes of securing a vital win.
The game seemed destined for a draw as both teams struggled to find a decisive breakthrough in the remaining minutes. The tension was palpable, with each side pushing forward in search of a winning goal. Just when it looked like the points would be shared, Jordan Ayew delivered a moment of magic. In the 90+4 minute, Ayew scored an incredible late goal, securing a well-fought victory for the Black Stars.
Ayew’s dramatic strike sent the Ghanaian fans into a frenzy and left the Malian supporters in stunned silence. The late goal not only secured three crucial points for Ghana but also underscored the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. The victory was a testament to the Black Stars’ determination and ability to perform under pressure.
The Black Stars celebrated their hard-earned win, knowing that they had taken a significant step towards World Cup qualification. With this victory, Ghana will be looking forward to their next game against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on Monday, June 10, 2024, with the hope of grabbing another victory.