Jordan Ayew came on in the 79th minute and scored in stoppage time to help Ghana beat Eagles of Mali 2-1 on Matchday 3 of the the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The hosts entered the game on the back of two straight wins in their last two games. Ghana on the other hand had failed to win a game in 2024 before kickoff.
But Jordan Ayew transformed the mood in Bamako by snatching a stunning win for the Black Stars.
Mali began the game by keeping possession of the ball for larger spells and applying high pressure on Ghana lines which paid off in the 45th minute as Kamory Doumbia of Stade Brestois to give them the lead before break.
Both teams came out for the second half and played with greater precision and control. Coaches from either side seemed to have learnt from their mistakes in the first half and set up the team accordingly. However, Lyon midfielder, Ernest Nuamah registered the second goal of the game with a powerful header to restore parity in the 58th minute.
The Eagles were made to pay for their wastefulness early in the second half after missing some great opportunities.
However, Ghana stormed back with solid performance in search of the winning goal.
Despite Mali’s strong defence, Ghana pulled off an incredible performance to claim the maximum points through Jordan Ayew late minutes strike.
The victory sees Otto Addo’a men, who are aiming to qualify for their 5th World Cup appearance move to second position with six points from three games – level on point with Comoros who face Madagascar on Friday.
The Black Stars will now turn their attention to Monday’s clash with Central African Republic in Kumasi.
