Jordan Ayew Benched As Otto Addo Names Ghana’s Starting XI Against Mali

Jordan Ayew will start on the bench for Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali on Thursday evening.

Crystal Palace’s Ayew did not make coach Otto Addo’s starting eleven for the match, which will take place at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

Addo has opted for a 3-4-3 formation, with Lawrence Ati Zigi in goal. The defense features Alexander Djiku, Seidu Alidu, and Mohammed Salisu, while Thomas Partey and Abdul Salis Samed hold the midfield.

Gideon Mensah and Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion will play as wing-backs on the left and right, respectively.

Leading the attack is Bournemouth’s in-form striker Antoine Semenyo, supported by Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah on the flanks.

The Black Stars are currently fifth in Group I of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, with just three points from two matches. They secured a win against Madagascar but suffered an unexpected defeat to Comoros, making this match crucial for their World Cup aspirations in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.