The Black Stars of Ghana have taken a giant leap towards Mexico, Canada, and the USA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following another commanding 0-3 win, this time over Madagascar.
Exactly as predicted in the pre-match preview, Otto Addo opted for Benjamin Asare to remain in goal, with Francis Abu coming into the midfield to support Thomas Partey.
The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Asare, put no wrong foot as he remained calm, composed in goal, and commanded his back line, consisting of Alexander Djiku, Jerome Opoku, and Mohammed Salisu, with support on the flanks from Kingsley Schindler and Gideon Mensah.
Thomas Partey gave Ghana the lead in the 11th minute, heading home from a well-worked free kick. Captain Jordan Ayew curled the ball deep into the 6-yard area of Madagascar’s penalty box, which found the head of the Arsenal star man, ending his goal drought for his country.
Partey, on his 51st game for the Black Stars bagged, his second and 15th international goal with yet another thumping header nine minutes into the second half from a corner kick by Ayew.
Leceister City forward Jordan Ayew registered his hat-trick of assists when he threaded through a clean ball to West Ham player Mohammed Kudus to slot the ball past Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire for Ghana’s third.
It is crucial to note Ayew’s exceptional character and selfless leadership on the field in the matches against Chad and Madagascar in World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana remains top of Group I with a five-point lead depending on the outcome of the game between Comoros and the Central African Republic on Tuesday, March 25.
The Black Stars will welcome Mali at home on September 8, with the venue yet to be confirmed given the sports minister’s intention of making the Cape Coast Stadium the official venue for Ghana’s international matches.
