Ghana edges Mali 1–0 in a gritty World Cup qualifier. Djiku’s chaotic finish and Mali’s FIFA protest ignite debate across Africa. Full recap and standings inside.
In a match that felt more like a political thriller than a football game, Ghana’s Black Stars edged past Mali with a scrappy 1–0 win at the Accra Sports Stadium. The victory keeps Ghana at the top of Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—but it didn’t come without chaos.
⚽ The Goal That Shook Accra
Forget clean headers and textbook finishes—Alexander Djiku’s 48th-minute goal was pure grit. After Jordan Ayew whipped in a corner, the ball ricocheted through a crowded box. Djiku, mid-fall and seemingly off-balance, swung his leg and connected just enough to send the ball past Mali’s keeper Djigui Diarra. It was awkward, unplanned, and absolutely decisive.
Fans roared. Mali fumed.
🔥 Mali’s Protest to FIFA
The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) has officially filed a complaint to FIFA, claiming that Ghanaian players interfered with their goalkeeper during the corner kick. They argue that Diarra was shoved, obstructed, and unable to react properly—making the goal illegitimate.
Coach Tom Saintfiet said post-match: “My team told me there was a fault with Ghana’s goal. I didn’t see it clearly, but they insist our goalkeeper was pushed.”
Referee Badi Luxolo and his officiating crew are now under scrutiny, with Mali citing Law 12 of the IFAB Rules on goalkeeper protection.
📱 Social Media Erupts
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #DjikuDrama, #FIFAFixThis, and #BlackStarsControversy are trending across West Africa. Ghanaian fans are celebrating the win, while Malian supporters are demanding a replay.
Pro-Mali accounts like Nation Foot Mali posted slowed-down footage showing alleged contact with Diarra.
Ghanaian influencers fired back, calling the goal “ugly but legal.
Football analysts are split—some say it’s a typical box scramble, others argue the referee missed a clear foul.
📊 Group I Standings Snapshot
Ghana now needs just one win from their final two matches to secure World Cup qualification.
🗣️ Final Whistle Thoughts
Djiku’s goal may not win any beauty contests, but it might just send Ghana to the World Cup. Whether FIFA upholds Mali’s protest or dismisses it—as they often do with referee decisions—the Black Stars must stay focused. The road ahead is still steep, and the spotlight is hotter than ever.
Stay tuned to Voltfeed for updates on FIFA’s ruling, Ghana’s next fixtures, and the stories behind the scores.
Drop your opinions in the comment section!
@voltfeedNewsTeam,2025
READ ALSO👇👇
Ghana’s Economy to Grow by 4.5% in 2025
Thomas Partey Appears in Court Over Rape Allegations | What We Know So Far
Ghana’s Oil Sector Reforms Aim to Attract New Investors
Ghana Hosts ICT Week to Promote Digital Trade Leadership
0 Comments