Mali and Ghana played out a 1:1 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage on 6 August 2026. The result leaves both sides level on four points after three matches, though Ghana sit second and Mali third in the table. Things came to a head in a fixture where neither side could find a winner.
Ghana dominated possession with 61 per cent and registered 11 shots on target compared to Mali's two. They also earned nine corners to Mali's five, and their attacks totalled 136 against 127 for the hosts. By then it was clear Ghana controlled much of the territory, yet Mali held firm defensively.
Mali picked up three yellow cards while Ghana kept a clean sheet in that department. The visitors finished with a higher shot accuracy rate at 50 per cent, while Mali managed just 20 per cent. And here's the thing — Ghana had more chances but could not convert them into a second goal.
Both teams arrive at this match having played three games with identical records of one win, one draw and one loss. Mali beat Cape Verde 3:2 on 2 August before losing to Cameroon and drawing with Burkina Faso. Ghana lost to Cameroon 1:0 on 2 August but had earlier beaten Cape Verde 2:0 and Malawi 4:0.
The draw means neither side moves clear in the group. Ghana remain second on goal difference while Mali hold fourth place on points alone. The result keeps the group tightly packed and suggests the final round could decide everything.