Doumbia double lifts Mali but World Cup dreams end

Kamory Doumbia scored in each half to hand Mali a 2-0 victory over bottom side Chad in N’Djamena in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group I encounter. However, the result was not enough for the West African nation, as they bow out of contention to qualify for the finals.

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Doumbia opened the scoring seven minutes into the match. Chad were not easy opponents, as they tried to hit back during the first half through Haroun Tchaouna, whose free-kick effort sailed just wide. Tchaouna also tested Malian goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa on the stroke of halftime.

Chad enjoyed more possession, but the Eagles were far more efficient in creating scoring chances. France-based Doumbia doubled the lead in the 74th minute after collecting a cross from left-back Amadou Dante. The Brest forward was later replaced by Amadou Haidara, who returned to the national team after a long absence.

Chad striker and captain Marius Mouandilmadji also made his return to Les Sao, as the Chadians are nicknamed, in the second half after a self-imposed exile from the national side.

The win takes the Eagles to third place with 15 points and one game remaining, while Chad sit bottom with a single point.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group I Table

1. Ghana- 22 points
2. Madagascar- 19 points
3. Mali- 15 points
4. Comoros- 15 points
5. Central African Republic- 5 points
6. Chad- 1 point