Ghana moved to the summit of Group I in World Cup qualifying after edging Mali 1-0 in Kumasi, thanks to Alexander Djiku’s close-range finish from a Jordan Ayew corner.
The win lifts the Black Stars to 19 points, three clear of Madagascar, who kept their campaign alive by coming from behind to beat Chad 3-1 with second-half goals from Caddy Warren, Rayan Raveloson and Hakim Abdallah.
Elsewhere, Morocco stayed in control of Group E with a 2-0 victory in Zambia courtesy of Youssef En Nesyri and Hamza Igamane, while Algeria’s grip on Group G loosened after a goalless draw with Guinea.
Their lead is now down to four points following wins for Uganda and Mozambique, who both triumphed 2-0 over Somalia and Botswana respectively.
In Group D, Libya’s Muad Eisay and Ezoo El Mariamy struck in the first half to secure a 2-0 win against Eswatini.
They remain third, but just two points behind leaders Cape Verde, who face Cameroon next.
With only the group winners guaranteed automatic spots at the 2026 World Cup in North America, and four best runners-up heading for play-offs, the race across Africa remains wide open.
