World Cup (Q): Mali coach Tom Saintfiet reacts to painful loss to Ghana

Head coach of Mali, Tom Saintfiet has backed his players despite their slim 1-0 loss to Ghana in match day 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday September 8.

The Eagles held a lackluster Black Stars to a 0-0 draw in the first half but succumbed to Alexander Djiku’s scrambled goal four minutes into the second half at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Mali keeper, Djigui Diarra fluffed Jordan Ayew’s corner kick before a stumbling Djiku bundled the ball in, sending the vociferous fans into ruptures.

Mali’s dream of fighting for a slot in next year’s global football showpiece was over due to the defeat but head coach Tom Saintfiet does not want to apportion blame to any of his charges.

“We conceded the goal much too early and after the goal, there was only one team on the pitch and that was us,” Tom Saintfiet told the media.

“Step by step building up the pressure, we had shots from the second half but in the sixteen we could not create real open chances, we had some good dribbles but we couldn’t really open the door because Ghana defended as a block.

“I am very disappointed as a coach I hate losing, it’s the first competitive defeat with Mali in ten matches so I am not happy with that but I can’t blame any of my players.” Tom Saintfiet added.

The victory extended Ghana’s lead to 19 points, three more than Madagascar who recovered from a goal down to beat Chad by 3-1 at home. Comoros sit in third on 13 points, Mali on 12 with Central Africa on five points and Chad on one after holding Ghana to a 1-1 draw in fixture seven.

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