Africa-Press – Ghana. The Black Stars of Ghana secured an emphatic 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic in the penultimate match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Goals from Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Alexander Djiku ensured an impressive win for Ghana.
The victory puts Ghana in pole position to make their fifth World Cup appearance at next year’s World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana are currently on top of Group I with 22 points, followed by Madagascar with 19 points, after their 2-1 away win against Comoros.
As it stands, Madagascar would virtually need a miracle to be able to edge Ghana, who have a better goal difference and a three-point cushion, ahead of the last group games on Sunday.
Ghana coach Otto Addo made a change from the side that beat Mali in the last encounter, starting Leicester City winger Fatawu Issahaku, with Elisha Owusu dropping to the bench.
Antoine Semenyo, who is in red-hot form for Bournemouth, was on the left wing, while Jordan Ayew led the Black Stars in attack.
The Black Stars were very dominant at the start of the match, and Kudus Mohammed had Ghana’s first attempt on target, which was easily gathered by Central African Republic goalkeeper Mauril Abimala.
The Central Africans resorted to mounting some counter-attacks in the early stages, which were curtailed by Ghana’s defensive pair of Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu.
The Black Stars deservedly got the lead in the 20th minute after Salisu Mohammed connected from a Mohammed Kudus corner kick.
It settled the Black Stars well into the game, and defender Alexander Djiku had a glorious opportunity to make it two for Ghana but shockingly missed an open goal.
The Black Stars would take their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Ghana started the second half on the front foot as they searched for a second goal that would ease their nerves, especially with Madagascar beating Comoros in the other encounter.
Thomas Partey scored the second goal for Ghana with a powerful strike in the 52nd minute after he was put through on goal by Jordan Ayew.
The Central Africans made some good incursions in the final third and forced Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to make some saves.
Alexander Djiku, who scored for Ghana in the last encounter against Mali, was on the scoresheet once again after making it three for the Black Stars in the 68th minute.
Jordan Ayew scored his 33rd goal to make it four for Ghana with a close-range finish in the 72nd minute.
Substitute Sulemana made it five for the Black Stars with a close-range finish after being teed up by Joseph Painstil.
It was a five-star performance from the Black Stars, who held onto their five-goal cushion to secure an emphatic victory.
Ghana’s starting line-up: Benjamin Asare (GK), Alexander Djiku, Caleb Yirenkyi, Gideon Mensah, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, Fatawu Issahaku, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus
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