Narrow defeat in World Cup qualifier for Moussa Sylla

Mali and Moussa Sylla were beaten 1-0 by Ghana in a World Cup qualifier on Monday (8/9). The Schalke striker came off the bench in the 81st minute, while Ibrahima Cissé wasn’t called upon.

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Moussa Sylla clapping.

Alexander Djiku, a centre-back who plays his club football for Fenerbahce, got the only goal of the game in the 49th minute. Mali dominated the closing stages in Accra but were unable to break down a resolute Ghana defence.

Ghana remain on top of Group I with 19 points from their eight games. Mali have 12 points on the board and, with just two matches to play, can no longer top the group and secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

Mali are currently in fourth place but could still finish second. The four best group runners-up will take part in a knockout tournament in November to determine the African participant for March’s inter-confederation play-offs, where two more teams from around the world can book their place at the World Cup.

Mali’s final two group games in October are against last-placed Chad and Madagascar, who occupy second place.

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