BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Black Stars of Ghana have taken a commanding step toward securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing the Central African Republic (CAR) 5–0 in a scintillating display in Morocco.
The emphatic victory on Tuesday night leaves Ghana just one point away from confirming qualification for next year’s global showpiece to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Dominant First Half Led by Salisu’s Breakthrough
The match, played at the Grand Stade de Marrakech as home for CAR due to the unavailability of suitable venues in Bangui, the Central African Republic, started with Otto Addo’s men asserting dominance from the onset.
Defender Mohammed Salisu had the first real chance in the 15th minute, connecting a cross from Mohammed Kudus but heading wide.
Just five minutes later, the Monaco centre-back made amends, rising high to meet another Kudus corner and nod home the opener — giving Ghana a deserved 1–0 lead.
The Black Stars continued to press for more before the break. Midfielder Kwasi Sibo, who was making a strong case for a regular spot in the team, nearly grabbed his first international goal but was denied by a resilient CAR defence.
Moments later, Alexander Djiku also came close to doubling the tally, but his attempt narrowly missed the target. Despite the control, the first half ended 1–0, setting the stage for an explosive second half.
Second Half Surge Seals Victory
After the restart, the Black Stars maintained their attacking rhythm. Thomas Partey, now at Villarreal, doubled the lead in the 55th minute after combining beautifully with Captain Jordan Ayew before unleashing a powerful strike beyond the CAR goalkeeper.
The goal was a morale booster and further showcased Partey’s growing influence in midfield following his return from injury.
The Central African Republic, who had been largely defensive throughout, registered their first real effort in the 64th minute, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare remained untroubled.
From then on, it was one-way traffic. Jordan Ayew turned provider again, setting up Alexander Djiku to make it 3–0 before scoring one himself to extend the lead to four.
Substitutes Joseph Paintsil and Kamaldeen Sulemana combined in the dying minutes to complete the rout, with Sulemana’s composed finish sealing a 5–0 triumph for Otto Addo’s side.
Ghana’s Qualification Dream Within Reach
The emphatic win keeps Ghana on top of Group I with 22 points, maintaining a three-point cushion over their nearest challengers.
The result means that the Black Stars now need just one point from their final qualifying match against Comoros to book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Otto Addo, who returned to the helm of the national team last year, has been praised for rebuilding a balanced squad that blends experience and youthful energy.
Players like Kudus, Ayew, and Partey continue to anchor the team, while emerging names such as Paintsil, Kamaldeen, and Sibo have injected fresh dynamism and pace into Ghana’s attack.
Background: Road To 2026 World Cup
The qualification campaign has been one of redemption following a disappointing 2022 World Cup outing in Qatar, where the team exited at the group stage.
Determined to restore the Black Stars’ global standing, the Ghana Football Association appointed Otto Addo to continue his project of rebuilding the side around a new generation of talents.
The team’s resurgence began with crucial wins against Madagascar, Chad, and Mali, setting them on course for qualification.
