In order to have a chance of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is emphatic that his team must defeat Mali in their forthcoming World Cup qualifier.

Prior to Ghana’s pivotal match against Mali on Thursday, June 6, at 19:00 GMT, the gaffer made these remarks during a pre-match press conference in Bamako.

It is the first of two qualifying matches. The Black Stars will play the Central African Republic (CAR) on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi as part of Ghana’s June schedule.

Following CAR’s 1-0 victory over Chad late on Wednesday, June 5, Ghana is now ranked fifth in the six-team Group I rankings. Otto Addo did a good job of emphasizing the importance of a victory in his address.

“It’s a very important match for us. We are a point behind Mali and we have to win to give us a chance of qualifying to the World Cup. They have young talent in their team and it will be a very tough game for us tomorrow.”