Saintfiet Credits Ghana Fans as Key Factor in Mali’s World Cup Qualifying Defeat
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has admitted that Ghana’s passionate fans played a decisive role in his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Although the contest was tightly fought, the Belgian tactician highlighted the influence of the Black Stars’ home crowd, describing them as the team’s “12th man.”
Reflecting after the match, Saintfiet praised the hosts for their resilience and acknowledged the electric atmosphere generated by the near-capacity stadium.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere,” Saintfiet remarked. “Ghana didn’t play with 11 players but 12 or 13 — and that helps the team.”
The victory was a crucial one for Otto Addo’s men, who now sit at the top of Group I with 19 points. Ghana requires only four more points from their final two fixtures to guarantee qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Saintfiet’s comments underline the vital role of strong fan backing in pivotal matches, particularly in the high-pressure environment of World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars will conclude their group campaign with an away clash against the Central African Republic on October 8, before returning home to face Comoros on October 11.
