Hadji Drame (15th minute) and Djemoussa Traore (61st) scored for Mali, while Kudus Mohammed (70th) scored a consolation goal for Ghana.
Ghana and the United States would look to seal a knockout berth when they face-off in their second group match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in New Delhi, on Monday.
Rank outsiders India ended their maiden FIFA Under-17 World Cup campaign in a cry of pain and agony as they were handed a 0-4 thrashing by two-time champions Ghana in their final group match in New Delhi on Thursday.
Anwar Ali, at the heart of India's defence, will once again play a pivotal role in the match
New Zealand are placed in Group B along with Turkey, Paraguay and Mali.
