The stage is set at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, where Ghana welcome Mali in a pivotal CAF Group I World Cup qualifier.
With just two matches left to play, the Black Stars sit atop the table, but the margins are slim, and they can’t afford a misstep against a Mali side still very much in the hunt for a top-two finish.
Ghana came into September riding a wave of confidence, but a late lapse against Chad in a 1-1 draw exposed both their resilience and their frailties. That stumble denied them a chance to extend their cushion, though they remain three points ahead of Madagascar and four clear of Mali thanks to other results swinging their way.
Otto Addo's men are well-positioned to reach consecutive World Cups, but more cutting-edge in attack and stronger midfield control will be essential if they want to avoid further frustration.
Mali, meanwhile, have kept themselves alive despite a campaign full of fits and starts. Their habit of drawing matches has slowed progress, but a commanding 3-0 win over Comoros last time out reignited belief. The Eagles have tasted defeat only once in seven outings, yet three stalemates have left them playing from behind in the standings.
The World Cup qualification match between Ghana and Mali is set to capture the attention of football fans globally. For those looking to get involved through wagering, using sports betting apps can provide you with an easy platform to place bets, assess odds, and make predictions with enhanced convenience and speed.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Ghana vs Mali online - TV channels & live streams
 | ESPN+ | Watch here |
The match will be shown live on ESPN+ in the US. Live updates can be found here on GOAL.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Ghana vs Mali kick-off time
The match will be played at Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, with kick-off at 3 pm ET or 12 pm PT for fans in the US.
Team news & squads
Ghana vs Mali lineups
3-4-3
Formation
4-2-3-1
MALGHA-Line up
GHASubstitutes
Manager
O. Addo
MAL-Line up
MALSubstitutes
Manager
T. Saintfiet
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Ghana team news
Addo could ring the changes after the Chad disappointment. Thomas Partey is expected to step into midfield, bringing authority and experience in place of Salis Abdul Samed.
In defence, Mohammed Salisu is pushing for a recall, potentially lining up with either Joseph Aidoo or Alexander Djiku. Up front, Mohammed Kudus and André Ayew should continue as the main creative sparks, while Antoine Semenyo's tireless work rate keeps him integral to the attack.
Mali team news
For Mali, confidence is high and injuries are minimal. Yves Bissouma has been omitted after dipping in form at club level, but coach Saintfiet has ample midfield strength in Lassana Coulibaly and Amadou Haidara, who have both been in fine form.
Dorgeles Nene, fresh from finding the net against Comoros, offers width, while Kamory Doumbia is set to pull the strings in the middle. At the back, skipper Hamari Traoré marshals a well-drilled defence that has conceded fewer than a goal per game.
Form
GHA-Form
GHA- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 14/3
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 4/5
- Both teams scored
- 2/5
MAL-Form
MAL- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 6/1
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 0/5
Head-to-Head Record
GHALast 5 matches
MAL2
Wins
2
Draws
1
Win
Goals scored
5- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 2/5