Ahead of Ghana’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali on Monday, 8 September 2025, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah—former Minister of Youth and Sports and now Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations—has urged the Black Stars to give their all in tonight’s encounter.
In an extensive interview with Sportsnetghana.com, Afriyie-Ankrah emphasised the importance of unity and fan presence in propelling the team to victory.
“In moments like this, national unity is not a mere sentiment—it is a powerful force so we seek to light up the stands and fuel the spirits of our players. A robust, vocal crowd could well be the difference between mere effort and unforgettable triumph,” he said.
The Presidential Envoy underscored the symbolic weight behind the Stars qualification to the world stage, stressing that the Black Stars perform at their best when they feel the nation firmly behind them.
“It is a message to the Black Stars that when the nation stands behind them, they stand taller. We owe them our unwavering support as they carry Ghana’s hopes on their shoulders.”
He further called on Ghanaians to rally behind the team, describing football as a unique force of national cohesion.
“Football binds our country like few other things. As we face Mali, it is vital to rally behind our heroes and aak the fans to fill the stands and cheer our team to glory.”
CAF World Cup Qualifying Group I – Current Standings
After seven matches in Group I of the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ghana sit at the top with 16 points, having scored 16 goals and conceded 6, giving them a goal difference of +10.
Comoros are close behind in second place with 15 points, while Madagascar occupy third with 13 points. Mali, Ghana’s opponents tonight, lie in fourth place on 12 points.
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