The Black Stars secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday, propelling them to the top of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. This crucial win brings Ghana’s total to nine points from four games, placing them ahead of Madagascar and Comoros, who each have six points from three games.
Mali sits fourth with four points from three games, and the Central African Republic also has four points from four games. Chad remains at the bottom with no points.
Ghana’s triumph over CAR marks their second consecutive win, following a 2-1 victory over Mali in Bamako. This defeat is CAR’s first in five games.
The Black Stars began the match with a strong start, earning an early penalty that Jordan Ayew converted to give Ghana a 1-0 lead just five minutes in.
However, CAR’s Louis Mafouta quickly equalized five minutes later, exploiting a defensive lapse by AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu.
Both teams had several opportunities but failed to capitalize, keeping the match balanced. Four minutes before halftime, Mafouta again breached the Black Stars’ defense, scoring to give CAR a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half saw a resurgence from the Black Stars. Fifteen minutes in, Gideon Mensah’s cross found Ayew, who headed in the equalizer.
Shortly after, Leicester City loanee Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s deflected shot found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, making it 3-2 to the Black Stars.
Ayew completed his hat-trick soon after, scrambling home the fourth goal to put Ghana 4-2 ahead with 21 minutes left to play.
Despite a late free-kick goal from Mafouta, completing his hat-trick and bringing the score to 4-3, the Black Stars held on to secure the victory.
This win not only places Ghana at the top of Group I but also showcases their fighting spirit and determination to succeed on the international stage.
The ever-reliable supporters in Kumasi filled the Baba Yara Stadium and cheered the Black Stars on until the final whistle. At one point, football fans feared the Black Stars might not secure the win.
Key players like Captain Thomas Teye Partey and Mohammed Kudus did not perform to the high expectations of Ghanaians, who are excited about their performances with their foreign clubs. Loopholes in the defense and midfield were evident to all who watched the game.
The technical team and players have significant work ahead to address these issues and strengthen their performance as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
