The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed deep appreciation to Ghanaians for the massive support shown to the Black Stars during their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

In a statement, the GFA described the fans as the “12th man” whose energy and passion inspired the team to secure all three points in the crucial Group I encounter.

“It was a hard-fought contest on the pitch, and the passion, energy, and unyielding spirit of the 12th man in the stands made the decisive difference. Your voices, your cheers, and your unwavering belief lifted the team when it mattered most,” the statement read.

The Association extended gratitude on behalf of the players, technical team, and management, reaffirming the importance of unity as the Black Stars push towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana’s win over Mali took them to 19 points, keeping them top of Group I and just one victory away from sealing a place at the global showpiece. Otto Addo’s men return to action in October against the Central African Republic, where a win will mathematically guarantee qualification.

The GFA concluded its statement with a patriotic call: “Long live the Black Stars. Long live Ghana.”