2026 FIFA WCQ: Jordan Ayew Dropped As Otto Addo Names Starting Lineup For Mali Clash 

On Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 19:00 GMT, the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako will host a highly anticipated match between Mali and Ghana for matchday three of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifications.

Currently standing in second place in Group I with four points from two matches, the Malian Eagles will be facing the fourth place Ghana team, who have accumulated three points in their two games.

Leading the group with a perfect record of two wins, Comoros will certainly pose a tough challenge for both teams.

They have already defeated the Central African Republic and Ghana, making them the team to beat.

In their last encounter in October 2020, Mali came out on top with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Black Stars in a friendly match held in Turkey.

However, Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo remains determined to secure a win in this crucial game to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.

He also acknowledges the strength of the Malian team, especially their young talents, who have been making waves in the football world.

Since taking over from Chris Hughton after a disappointing AFCON campaign, Addo has yet to lead his team to a victory.

Ghana’s last win was in November against Madagascar, and they have not been able to secure a win in any of their matches this year.

This has resulted in a seven-match winless streak, marking the worst form of the Black Stars in the last decade.

As for Mali, their captain Hamari Traore will be absent due to suspension for his red card in the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire. Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma will not be joining the team for this match.

On the other hand, the Black Stars will have the advantage of having West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey back in the team.

The duo was not present during the last international break, where Ghana suffered a defeat against Nigeria and a draw with Uganda in Morocco.

Preview:

The Black Stars have faced Mali ten times across all competitions, with Ghana edging their West African rivals. The Black Stars have won five and lost two of their meeting against the Eagles of Mali. Meanwhile, Mali have been on a rich run of form, with the last meeting between the two countries ending with a victory for the AFCON quarter-finalist. The defeated Ghana 3-0 in a friendly in Turkey.

Heading into the match, Ghana will be seeking their first win of the year while Mali hope to continue with their run of victory since suffering elimination from the Nations Cup.

Technical brains:

Eric Chelle, a former player and now coach of Mali, comes up against former Dortmund player, Otto Addo, who also played for the Black Stars. The duo are esteemed as some of the best coaches on the continent.

Line Up 

In his debut as Ghana’s permanent coach, Otto Addo has unveiled the starting lineup for the highly anticipated match against Mali.

The lineup announced by Addo features Lawrence Ati-Zigi guarding the goalposts, supported by defenders Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Salisu.
In midfield and attacking positions, Gideon Mensah, Ernest Nuamah, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Abdul Samed  complete the squad.

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has dropped veteran forward Jordan Ayew from the starting lineup for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali.

Below is the full line-up

 

 

Details of the game:

Time: 19:00 GMT/ 7pm local time

Venue: Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako.

TV Info: Live on GTV Sports Plus

 

Referees:

Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed – Egypt

Abouelregal Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Ahmed (Assistant I) – Egypt

Ibrahim Ahmed Hossameldin Taha (Assistant II) – Egypt

Hassan Elghandour Ahmed (Fourth Referee) – Egypt

 

 

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