Black Stars eye top spot in crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against CAR

The Black Stars of Ghana will be looking to record their second consecutive win in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars’ win over the Eagles of Mali was crucial for their quest to qualify for their fifth World Cup, and beating the Central African Republic on Monday will further boost their chances of qualification.
The Black Stars, along with Comoros and Madagascar, have six points at the end of matchday three, while Mali and the Central African Republic have four points each. Chad is at the bottom of Group I, having yet to record any points from the three matches played.
Ghana will enter the match against CAR with confidence, particularly after their 2-1 victory in an AFCON qualifying match in September 2023. However, the Central African Republic , who recently secured their first win against Chad, will pose a challenge.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to maintain the core of the lineup that played against Mali. Lyon’s Ernest Nuamah, who scored the equalizer against Mali, is anticipated to start ahead of Jordan Ayew, who scored the winning goal. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who performed exceptionally well, is expected to retain his starting position. Despite a quieter game against Mali, Mohammed Kudus is likely to start, given his ability to produce game-changing moments.
Central African Republic:
Louis Mafouta, the Central African Republic’s top scorer, has been quiet in the qualifiers but will be eager to find the net against Ghana. Olympique de Marseille midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia will play a crucial role in midfield, leveraging his extensive European experience. Vénuste Baboula, who has contributed significantly to the team’s recent goals, will be another key player for the Wild Beasts.
Possible Starting XIs
Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati-Zigi
Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu
Midfielders: Gideon Mensah, Salis Abdul Samed, Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey
Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah
Central African Republic:
Goalkeeper: Prince Youfeigane
Defenders: Peter Ndobe, Isaac Yangao, Saint-Cyr Niamthe, Thierry Guinari
Midfielders: Amos Youga, Yvan Toropite, Wilfried Pirioua
Forwards: Karl Namnganda, Louis Mafouta, Kévin Manzoki
Prediction
With the Black Stars’ recent performance and the boost in confidence from their previous win, Ghana is predicted to secure a 2-0 victory against the Central African Republic, enhancing their position in the qualifiers and improving their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.