2026 World Cup Qualifier: Otto Addo names Black Stars’ Starting line-up for Mali clash; Jordan Ayew benched

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has announced a strong lineup for Ghana’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against group favorites Mali on June 6, 2024.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi will start in goal, with Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah as the right-back and left-back. Salisu Mohammed and Alexander Djiku will anchor the defense.

In midfield, Thomas Partey makes his return to the lineup for the first time since October 2023, partnering with Abdul Salis Samed in a double pivot.

Ernest Nuamah, Kudus Mohammed, and Tariq Lamptey, who will play on the right wing, will support Antoine Semenyo, the main striker, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The match will kick off at 19:00 GMT at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

A victory for Ghana would move them up to second place in the standings, as they currently sit fifth with one win and one loss from two games. On the other hand, a defeat would significantly damage their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

LINEUP:

Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati-Zigi

– Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Salisu Mohammed, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu

– Midfielders: Salis Samed, Thomas Partey

– Attacking Midfielders: Ernest Nuamah, Kudus Mohammed, Tariq Lamptey

– Forward: Antoine Semenyo