Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has suggested that Ghana showed fear in their approach during the crucial Group I clash on Monday, September 8, 2025.
The Black Stars narrowly beat Mali 1-0 victory at the Accra Sports Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking after the defeat, Saintfiet claimed that the group leaders were afraid of his side.
“Yeah, and it showed that they were afraid of us,” Saintfiet said after the match,” he said.
“With Kudus, Semenyo, and the attacking quality Ghana has, I thought they would play on the front foot and kill us in the first half,” he added.
Despite Ghana creating chances, the Malians proved difficult to break down, keeping the contest tight until the final stages.
Saintfiet admitted his side had hoped to exploit Ghana’s cautious approach but ultimately fell short.
The result keeps Ghana top of Group I, edging closer to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mali, meanwhile, remain in the chasing pack with two matchdays left to play.
