The Black Stars of Ghana took a major step toward 2026 World Cup qualification with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco.
The Stars dominated proceedings, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime before running riot in the second half with four more goals.
Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring in the 21st minute, heading home from a Mohammed Kudus corner. Ghana started on the front foot and created several chances but were unable to convert the rest of their six first-half shots on target.
After the break, the Black Stars tightened their grip on the match, enjoying 65% possession and consistently threatening in the final third.
Their pressure paid off just seven minutes into the second half when captain Jordan Ayew split the Fauves’ defense with a pinpoint through ball to Thomas Partey, whose powerful shot took a deflection to double Ghana’s lead.
In the 69th minute, defender Alexander Djiku made it 3-0 with a well-timed header from an Ayew corner. Ayew then got on the scoresheet himself, firing in from close range after Gideon Mensah’s delivery slipped through the opposition’s defense.
The fifth and final goal came from Kamaldeen Sulemana, who finished at the back post after a dazzling run and assist from Joseph Paintsil.
With this emphatic win, Ghana now tops Group I with 22 points, but their qualification is not yet secured. Madagascar’s 2-1 victory over Comoros keeps them in contention with 19 points.
The Black Stars will need at least a draw in their final qualifier against Comoros, set for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 7 PM local time, to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
