Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet says his team will approach Today’s World Cup qualifier against Ghana with belief and the ambition to shock the hosts in Accra.
The Belgian trainer, speaking ahead of the decisive Group I clash, admitted Ghana would have the backing of a packed Accra Sports Stadium but insisted his players were ready to rise to the challenge.
“We are here to try and make a miracle come through,” Saintfiet said. “We are here to play with confidence and try to surprise the 40,000 people in the stadium.”
Mali, who sit fourth in the group, know victory would keep their World Cup hopes alive. For Ghana, top of the table by a single point, the fixture represents a chance to steady the ship after a frustrating draw with Chad.
The match is already being billed as one of the most crucial in the campaign, with both nations aware of what is at stake. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
