2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Jordan Ayew Strikes Late as Ghana beat Mali to Secure First Win in 2024

• The Black Stars secured an important away win against Mali in the World Cup qualifier on Thursday against Mali
• Second-half substitute Jordan Ayew scored the winner late in injury time as the Black Stars revived their World Cup hopes
• Ghana will return home to Kumasi to face the Central African Republic on Monday as the qualifiers continue in Africa

Jordan Ayew was Ghana's hero in Bamako after climbing off the bench to score a late winner as the Black Stars defeated Mali in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bamako on Thursday.

Mali opened the scoring through Kamory Doumbia at the stroke of half-time but Ernest Nuamah responded after the break before Ayew netted the winner in extra-time.

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The hosts made their intentions clear early in the game after winger Lassine Sinayoko pulled a great save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Moments later, the Saint Gallen shot-stopper was tested again as the Black Stars' defence was put under huge pressure, with Alexander Djiku intercepting a Falaye Sacko pass.

Halfway through the first half, Mohammed Kudus fired from a distance as Ghana surged forward for the first time in the game.

Ghana began to build up slowly despite Mali dominating possession as forward Antoine Semenyo twice came close, with his earlier effort going inches wide before a lovely control and a curler from the Bournemouth attacker.

Mali made their dominance count just before the break after Doumbia's effort, which was initially blocked by Djiku ricocheted the forward for the opener.

After the break, the Black Stars improved their game and should have levelled just a minute into the half after Tariq Lamptey's cross met Semenyo at the far end, but his effort was not strong enough.

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Kudus then forced a throw which was quickly taken with Salis Samed's perfect cross meeting the head of Nuamah for the equalizer in the 55th minute.

Mali coach, Eric Chelles brought on Atalanta star El Bilal Toure, who caused some problems for the Ghana defence, coming close twice within three minutes.

Nene Dorgeles, another second-half substitute, added some firepower in the Mali attack but his efforts were dealt with by the Ghana defence.

However, late in the game Ayew, who came on for Semenyo sent Thomas Partey through on a one-v-one with the Arsenal star missing.

Ayew then made it count after a goal-mouth scramble just before the final whistle, firing home the winner in the 94th minute.

Arsenal fans welcome Partey in Mali

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that a group of Arsenal fans in Mali gave Thomas Partey a befitting welcome following his arrival in Bamako for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Partey, who has been a key figure at the London club since joining from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2022, travelled with his Black Stars teammates for the game against Mali.