JOHANNESBURG, March 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Ghana continued its formidable journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a resounding 3-0 victory over Madagascar on March 24. The match, held at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima in Morocco, showcased the prowess of the Black Stars as they maintain a five-point lead at the top of Group I.
In a game dominated by performances from Premier League stars, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey scored two crucial goals, while West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus added another to seal the win. The captain, Jordan Ayew, was central to the success, providing assists for all three goals, enhancing his role as a key player for the team.
The match commenced positively for Ghana as Partey finished a well-delivered free-kick from Ayew in the 11th minute. The second goal came just after halftime, with Partey again finding the net from a corner, this time taking advantage of a set piece orchestrated by Ayew. Kudus capped off the scoring in the 58th minute, flicking on an Ayew pass and firing past Madagascar's goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.
Ghana's victory was not just a strategic win but also a moral boost after their disappointing performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished last in their group, failing to win a single match. As they eye a fifth World Cup appearance, this win reassures fans of their potential to reclaim their status on the international stage.
The victory places Ghana firmly in control of their World Cup qualifying group, where they now have accumulated 15 points. Madagascar, now trailing by five points with 10, faces pressure in their subsequent matches, particularly with Comoros hovering nearby, who could potentially close the gap if they defeat bottom-placed Chad in their upcoming fixture.
Football fans note that the qualifiers will extend into September and October, allowing teams further opportunities to secure their places. The first-place teams from each group earn automatic spots in the World Cup next summer in North America, adding significant stakes to every match moving forward.
Meanwhile, in parallel matches, Ivory Coast managed a narrow 1-0 victory against The Gambia. Sebastien Haller scored the only goal in Abidjan, continuing the Elephants' quest towards World Cup qualification as they currently lead Group F with 16 points.
In the same round of qualifiers, Tunisia overcame a ten-man Malawi squad with a final score of 2-0, marking a noteworthy win in their campaign. Seifeddine Jaziri’s late header followed by a penalty from Elias Achouri secured the three points. The competitiveness of these matches highlights the ongoing battle for tickets to the World Cup.
In Group A, Burkina Faso maintained the pressure on leaders Egypt, winning 2-1 against Guinea-Bissau. The duo's performances underline the vitality of African football on the global stage, as teams strive to improve their standing within international competitions.
As Ghana reflects on their current campaign, the importance of this match goes beyond just points. The team, hungry for redemption, is seeking to erase the memory of their previous performance in the African tournaments. Coach Otto Addo has instilled a belief in his players, focusing not only on today’s success but also on the potential future success they can achieve together.
The stakes couldn't be higher as Ghana aims to solidify their position in Group I and eventually secure a place in the World Cup. The road ahead comes with challenges, but with key players like Partey and Kudus stepping up, hope springs eternal for the famed Black Stars.
