The Black Stars of Ghana recorded a memorable 4-3 win over Les Fauves of the Central African Republic in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday night.
The Ghanaians got off to the right start just two minutes into the game as Jordan Ayew converted from the penalty spot after Issahaku Fatawu was bamboozled to the ground in the 18-yard box.
Louis Mafouta equalized in the 11th minute against the run of play before taking the wind out of the sails of the Black Stars when he doubled his tally three minutes before halftime after a comedy of errors between Gideon Mensah and goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, which he thankfully took advantage of.
Whatever Otto Addo said to his men during the break changed the remainder of the game to the benefit of his side, as they returned guns-blazing.
With the increase in pace and tempo, it was just a matter of time for Ghana to score. Jordan Ayew rose highest to head home the equalizer from a Gideon Mensah cross on the hour mark before a fortuitous deflected strike from Issahaku Fatawu restored the home side’s lead.
Ayew looked to have put the game beyond the reach of the Central African Republic when he scored his hat-trick before Louis Mafouta hit a hat-trick of his own as he cut down the away side’s deficit to one.
However, the Black Stars held on to secure a precious win, which moves them to the top of Group I before their next qualifier in March 2025.
