Welcome to Extratips, where today we’re diving into the intense CAF World Cup Qualifiers 2026 showdown between Ghana and Mali. This is a cracking fixture with both sides hungry for points. Ghana, sitting pretty at the top of the table with 18 points and a +10 goal difference, hasn’t lost a match yet—just one draw in their last 7 games. Meanwhile, Mali, lurking behind with 12 points and a +3 goal difference, are eager to climb higher and keep their hopes alive.

Looking at the odds, bet365 sees Ghana as the slight favorite at 2.15, with Mali at 3.90 and a draw at 3.00. It signals an evenly matched clash where the home team might just edge it, but Mali aren’t pushovers.

In the recent head-to-head, the last 5 matches were all incredibly tight—mostly goalless draws, highlighting the defensive grit both teams bring to the pitch. Ghana's last five home games have been a mixture of stalemates and wins, while Mali’s away form is solid but not spectacular.

Tactical strengths lean toward Ghana’s strong midfield control and disciplined defense, while Mali counters with quick breaks and resilient backline. Possible issues? Mali’s attack could struggle against Ghana’s organized setup, especially without any recent injuries or suspensions mentioned.

One interesting angle? Ghana's quest to sustain their unbeaten run vs. Mali’s drive to overturn a pattern of draws. Or, which team’s defensive resilience will hold the key?

Considering all this, expect a tight game with a slight edge for Ghana. The match could be low-scoring but intense, possibly a 1-0 or 2-1 finish.

Here are three predictions based on this analysis: