Mali’s hopes of reaching their first-ever FIFA World Cup suffered a devastating blow on Monday night in Accra, as head coach Tom Saintfiet admitted that automatic qualification for the 2026 finals is now out of reach.

The Eagles fell 1-0 to Ghana after Alexander Djiku pounced on a spilled corner from goalkeeper Djigui Diarra just four minutes into the second half. Despite dominating the final stages of the match, Mali failed to breach Otto Addo’s disciplined Black Stars defence.

The result restores Ghana’s three-point cushion at the top of Group I, moving them to 19 points with only two games left to play. For Mali, however, the defeat proved fatal to their chances of catching up.

“Our chances to win the group are over because we are seven points behind, and in two games seven points will not happen. To become second will also be difficult,” a disappointed Saintfiet admitted after the game.

Mali, seeded top in the African qualifiers and still searching for a maiden World Cup appearance, now sit fourth in the group, four points behind second-placed Madagascar. Earlier in the day, the Malagasy came from behind to beat Chad 3-1 with goals from Warren Caddy, Rayan Raveloson and Hakim Abdallah.

Elsewhere, Comoros tightened the race for second spot by defeating the Central African Republic 2-0, keeping themselves just a point adrift of Madagascar.

For the Eagles, though, it was a night of bitter disappointment and fading dreams.