Former Ghana international John Paintsil has claimed Mali will be no competition for Ghana in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The Black Stars were handed a tricky draw as part of the qualification process for the next edition of the global showpiece after being pitted against Mali, Comoros, Chad, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic in Group G.

Following the draw, there have been several reactions with Mali expected to be Ghana's biggest challenge in the group.

However, in n a recent interview, Paintsil labelled Ghana's group as “not difficult, but tricky."

"Countries paired against Ghana in the group have an upper hand because they have nothing to lose playing us. If we beat them, it's no use, but if they beat us, it's big news and that tells you it’s a tricky group," he told Graphic Sports.

"Mali is the most stubborn football country in Africa because they can upset you anytime."

Despite recognising the threat of Mali, the former Premier League player believes they are no more a strong force.

“It was during 2012 when Mali was in top form," he continued.

"I thought they could build on their form but looking at them now, I don’t think they are strong like before."

There is a long way between now and the start of the qualifiers for the World Cup, which is in 2026, but Ghana's road to the Mundial begins in November 2023.