The Black Stars are just one point away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an emphatic 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in Morocco on Wednesday.
Ghana’s comprehensive win on Wednesday evening takes them to 22 points, three clear of Madagascar, who remain in contention after a 2–1 win over Comoros.
The Black Stars will need at least a draw in their final qualifier against Comoros on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. local time to officially secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the game, Ghana dominated from start to finish, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of Group I and edging closer to a return to the global stage.
The early exchanges saw Ghana pile on the pressure, with defender Mohammed Salisu heading wide from a Mohammed Kudus corner in the 15th minute. He, however, made amends five minutes later, rising highest to nod home another Kudus delivery to open the scoring for Otto Addo’s side.
The Black Stars continued to threaten through Kwasi Sibo and Alexander Djiku, but both came close without success before the break. Ghana went into halftime leading 1–0.
After the restart, Ghana’s dominance deepened. Kwasi Sibo’s header failed to trouble the CAR goalkeeper before Thomas Partey doubled the lead in the 52nd minute. The Villarreal midfielder latched onto a precise through ball from captain Jordan Ayew and saw his shot deflect past the goalkeeper.
CAR’s first real chance came midway through the second half, but their effort posed little threat to goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Moments later, Ghana extended the lead as Ayew turned provider again, setting up Alexander Djiku to make it 3–0 with a firm header in the 69th minute.
Ayew then added his name to the scoresheet, finishing from close range after Gideon Mensah’s low cross evaded the defense. Substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana rounded off the scoring three minutes from time, tapping in from a Joseph Paintsil assist after a dazzling run down the flank.
