Mali 1-2 Ghana: Jordan Ayew's substitution did the magic - Bernard Tekpetey

Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey has identified a crucial intervention by coach Otto Addo in Ghana's game against Mali that turned things in the Black Stars' favour.

Tekpetey told JoyFM in an interview that Otto Addo's decision to bring on Jordan Ayew improved Ghana's play due to the forward's ability to hold up the ball and draw others into play.

The FC Ludogorets forward explained that with Ghana setting up in a 5-3-2 defensive structure, the team needed a forward with incredible ball-holding abilities, and Jordan Ayew's introduction bridged that gap.

"Yesterday, we were not patient. When you play with a five-back, you need a striker who can hold onto the ball. The Jordan Ayew change had a big impact on the game," Tekpetey said.

Jordan Ayew scored a late winner for Ghana in their 2-1 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Mali took the lead in injury time of the first half via a deflected shot from striker Kamory Doumbia.

Ghana got the equalizer shortly after the restart through a powerful header from Ernest Nuamah, who connected to a cross from Salis Samed.

Jordan Ayew scored the winner for Ghana in the 90th minute from a rebound that sent Ghana's points accumulation to six in three matches.

The Black Stars have now moved to second on the Group I table and are in a good position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Up next for the Black Stars is a home match against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.