Fred Pappoe, the former chairman of Ghana’s Black Stars Management Committee, is confident that the national team can defeat Mali in their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
Pappoe led Ghana to a 2-0 victory over Mali in Bamako during the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and he believes the current team under coach Otto Addo can replicate that feat on Thursday evening.
The two nations will face off at the Stade du 26 Mars at 19:00 GMT in the third round of the qualifying matches. While acknowledging the strength and quality of the Malian team, Pappoe remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances.
“With the rightful thought and kind of preparations the Black Stars have done, I don’t think this is one match I will tell you I am scared. I respect the Malians, and they have a good team. They (Mali) have been playing well for some time now, but I am still very hopeful in this team and the technical direction of the team. I am hopeful we will get a good result,” Pappoe stated on 3FM Sunrise Sports.
- Asamoah Gyan’s retirement sets stage for coaching career – Fred Pappoe
- Thomas Partey reveals plan to stop Mali
- We have the quality to face Mali – Otto Addo
The match holds significant importance, especially for Ghana, who have struggled in recent times. The four-time African champions currently sit fifth in Group I after collecting only three points from their first two games.
Here is a possible lineup of the Black Stars ahead of their game against Mali tonight in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/aK8jaxUr3s
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 6, 2024
Ghana has a good record against Mali in World Cup qualifiers, with two wins out of two encounters. The team will be hoping to secure another victory over Mali tonight at the Stade du 26 Mars stadium.
