Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 World Cup qualifier
CAF Group I
Mali v Ghana
Stade du 26 Mars
Bamako, Mali
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Kick-off is at 21h00
Mali will line up against Ghana without the experienced Yves Bissouma for a crucial
2026 World Cup qualifier at the Stade du 26 Mars on Thursday, June 6.
The Tottenham midfielder misses out due to a knee injury which sidelined him for the final two games of the Premier League season, although there were doubts about his inclusion in Eric Chelle's squad had he been fit.
Bissouma helped the Eagles reach the quarter-finals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite contracting malaria during the tournament in Ivory Coast, but he was overlooked for the March friendlies against Mauritania and Nigeria.
The 27-year-old was upset by Chelle's decision to leave him out in favour of Mamady Diambou, Mamadou Maiga and Mahamadou Doumbia, and deleted all social media posts from his account relating to the national team.
Chelle explained his reason for snubbing Bissouma was based on form and that the door remained open for him to be recalled in the future.
"Like many players, he deserves to be selected, it's just a choice. In my diamond, there are players right now who are slightly safer. That doesn't mean he won't be called again," the Ivory Coast-born tactician said.
The West Africans are second in Group I after picking up four points from their opening two qualifiers in November, having kicked off proceedings with a 3-1 victory over Chad before being held to a 1-1 draw by Central African Republic.
The most recent meeting between the two nations saw Mali cruise to a comfortable 3-0 win in a friendly 9 October 2020 in Side, Turkey, where Hamari Traore (3'), El Bilal Toure (49') and Amadou Haidara (75') got their names on the scoresheet.
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
Matches - 5
Mali wins - 2
Ghana wins - 2
Draws - 1
Bet on the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the Spanish La Liga, the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A and many more
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.