By: Kwame Bediako
The Mali Football Federation is reportedly preparing to file a formal complaint with FIFA concerning the refereeing during their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ghana in Accra. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Ghana, but Mali’s officials and players were visibly upset about key decisions made during the game.
Ghana secured the win thanks to Alexander Djiku’s goal in the 49th minute. However, the Malian side argued that referee Badi Luxolo missed several fouls leading up to the goal, including a controversial challenge on Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
This perceived negligence sparked repeated protests from Mali’s players and officials throughout the match, with frustrations intensifying after the decisive strike.
The officiating team included assistant referees Phatsoane Souru of Lesotho and Cledwin Baloyi of South Africa, while Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo from Namibia served as the fourth official.
Overseeing the referees were Morocco’s Guezzaz Mohammed as referee assessor and Nigeria’s Kachalla Babagana Kalli as match commissioner. According to football insider Micky Jnr, Mali’s complaint will not only focus on the refereeing crew but also question the role of the Ghana Football Association in the match’s administration.
The escalating dispute could heighten tensions between the two federations amid an already intense qualification battle. With this result, Ghana remains top of Group I with 19 points from eight matches. Mali, sitting fourth with 12 points, now face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the impending complaint introduces another layer of controversy to the qualifiers.
