On a full moon Monday night in Accra at the national stadium, the Black Stars of Ghana defeated Mali by a lone goal to nil to extend their lead at the top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.

Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, lined up a 3-5-1-1 formation against Tom Sanfeit’s Mali, as Antoine Semenyo spearheaded the attack.

Real Oviedo’s Kwasi Sibo made his debut for Ghana, sportingthe bright yellow shirt alongside Villarreal midfield general, Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaians struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first 45 minutes of the game in Otto Addo’s rigid formation, while he often complained to his technical team on the bench.

Despite the attacking incursions made by the Malians, Alexander Djiku at the heart of Ghana’s defence led Mohammed Salisu and Jonas Adjetey in thwarting each one of them as the first half ended goalless.

Djiku opened the scoring just four minutes into the second half, heading home from a Jordan Ayew corner kick after 18-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi had struck the top of the post.

The goal had rattled the feathers of the Malians while erupting numerous Mexican waves around every corner and rounded curve of the famous Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars managed to secure the win with a resolute and never-say-die defence even after the match winner, Djiku, went off the game injured in the 87th minute.