Ghana overcomes Mali in a thrilling victory thanks to a late goal from Jordan Ayew.

Thursday night's late goal by seasoned Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew gave the Black Stars a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Mali Eagles.

In the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the two nations squared off today.

Mali took some time to gain the upper hand and pose a threat to the Ghanaian goal in a match that both national sides started hesitantly.

Sadly, the hosts' early opportunities were squandered.

The Black Stars then had a good start and had a chance to score before halftime.

But in the 45th minute, Kamory Doumbia scored against the run of play to give Mali a slim lead going into halftime.

Following the break, Ghana got off to a fast start that surprised the Mali Eagles. When the visitors scored in the 58th minute to restore parity, the Black Stars' pressure paid off.

Ernest Nuamah was found by midfielder Abdul Salis Samed with an inch-perfect pass, and the gifted youth scored with a header into the Mali net.

Mali started the play in an attempt to get the second goal to secure all three points, but the score was tied.

The Black Stars exerted pressure late in the game and scored through Jordan Ayew to win spectacularly away from home.

On Monday, June 10, Ghana's Black Stars will play the Central African Republic.