South African referee selected for Ghana–Mali clash
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed South African referee Badi Luxolo as the centre referee for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier against Mali today.
The 30-year-old Luxolo will be supported by compatriot Cledwin Baloyi as Assistant Referee II, and Phatsoane Souru of Lesotho as Assistant Referee I. Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo from Namibia will serve as the Fourth Official.
Moroccan referee Guezzaz Mohammed has been named Referee Assessor, while Kachalla Babagana Kalli of Nigeria will act as the Match Commissioner.
The crucial Group I fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. local time at the Accra Sports Stadium, where Ghana will be seeking to strengthen their position at the top of the group following a 1–1 draw with Chad last Thursday.
The Black Stars currently lead the group with 16 points, just one ahead of Comoros, who climbed into second place with 15 points after defeating the Central African Republic earlier on Sunday.
Madagascar are third with 13 points, followed by Mali on 12, the Central African Republic on 5, and Chad, who remain bottom with just 1 point.
