Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has advised Ghanaians to temper their expectations regarding the Black Stars' qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Mali in Bamako, Boateng believes the pressure on the team should be alleviated given the current state of Ghanaian football.

Ernest Nuamah cancelled out Kamoury Doumbia's opener before Jordan Ayew netted late to claim three points for Ghana.

"Our game is really down," Derek told JoySports.

"We don't have to put pressure on the team to be at the World Cup at all costs. When we win, it's fine, but Ghana doesn't want to be at the World Cup and be out at the group stages like we did in 2014."

"We want to go there and compete. Right now, we're not on our level; we don't have to say we're there because we won against Mali. No, we are not; it takes time to get there.

"If Ghana doesn't qualify for the 2026 World Cup, it's not a failure for us. We must let the team develop and get there, but if we are there (at the World Cup), fine."

The win against Mali means Ghana now has six points from three games and finds themselves behind Madagascar and Comoros, who lead due to goal superiority.

The Black Stars will face the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday in the World Cup qualifying series.