'Ghana Has to Stop Mali': Thomas Partey Confident Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Clash

• Thomas Partey has opened up ahead of Ghana's World Cup qualifier against Mali on Thursday, June 6, in Bamako
• The Black Stars will take on the Eagles with hopes of securing their first win in 2024 after a difficult start to the year
• Ghana have lost one and won one of the two games played in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Africa

Arsenal star, Thomas Partey, believes the Black Stars have what it takes to stop Mali ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bamako.

The Black Stars are in the city for a crucial Group I headliner today (June 6) as Ghana eyes victory against the 2023 AFCON quarter-finalists.

The West Africans are without a win in 2024, having exited the AFCON in Ivory Coast after a draw in their final group tie against Mozambique.

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Partey was not part of the team at the Nations Cup but will return after a long absence to lead the squad, with Andre Ayew missing from the squad.

Ahead of the match, the Arsenal star disclosed that the Ghanaian national team has a strategy in place to stop the Malians in their own backyard.

"We have to do our best to stop Mali, stop their best players, and concentrate on the way we play to get the result we want," he said at the pre-match presser, as quoted by Football Ghana.

"I know I haven't played recently for the team but I have played a lot of matches for the Black Stars since my debut. I know the system the coach wants and I have the experience to help the young group of players to help us get the result we want," he added.

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The last time the two sides met in a World Cup qualifier in Bamako, Ghana defeated Mali 2-0, courtesy goals from Kwadwo Asamoah and Mathew Amoah, as reported by Modern Ghana.

The Black Stars have targeted a return to the World Cup following their group-stage exit in Qatar.

Partey confirmed Ghana captain for Mali clash

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Otto Addo confirmed Partey would captain Ghana for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The four-time African champions, Ghana will face Mali and the Central African Republic in June as they seek to rejoin the global spectacle.

Addo named his 26-man squad for the two crucial games on May 29, notably excluding veteran, Andre Ayew, and his vice, Richard Ofori.