The Black Stars of Ghana will look to solidify their position at the top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they take on Madagascar on Monday, March 25.
Kick-off Time: 9:00 PM CAT
Venue: Grand Stade Al-Hoceima, Morocco
With just two points separating Ghana and Madagascar, this match is a crucial battle that could shape the Group I standings moving forward.
Black Stars Finally Back to Winning Ways
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – NOVEMBER 28: Mohammed Kudus of Ghana celebrates after scoring their team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Ghana at Education City Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The Black Stars ended an eight-match winless run in style when they thrashed Chad 5-0 in their last qualifier on March 21. That result brought much-needed relief to the Ghanaian camp, as they had struggled in previous matches with a string of four losses and four draws.
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, admitted that while the Chad win was a confidence booster, Madagascar presents a much tougher challenge.
“First of all, I am happy that we won [against Chad], also that we scored a lot of goals,” Addo said in a post-match conference.
“But to be honest, we have to concentrate on Monday. It will be a different game. It will be much, much difficult, and we are already thinking ahead of that game.”
With a win against Madagascar, the Black Stars will extend their lead at the top of Group I and take a step closer to securing their fifth FIFA World Cup qualification.
However, Ghana will be without injured midfielder Elisha Owusu, who has been replaced in the squad by Cercle Brugge’s Lawrence Agyekum.
Madagascar Ready to Challenge the Black Stars
Madagascar is riding high on confidence after their impressive 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic on March 19. That win helped them bounce back from a disappointing loss to Eswatini and put them within striking distance of Ghana in the table.
Madagascar’s players celebrate their opening goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Madagascar and DR Congo at the Alexandria Stadium in the Egyptian city on July 7, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Currently sitting second in Group I, Madagascar has seven points, just two behind the Black Stars. A win in this fixture would see them leapfrog Ghana to take the top spot in the group with only four matches remaining.
Madagascar’s head coach, Corentin Martins, acknowledges the tough challenge that Ghana presents but remains hopeful.
“We’re going to prepare for this match [against Ghana] as best as possible and try to play the best match possible,” he told The Express Madagascar.
“We will be facing a very beautiful team from Ghana, but we will do with our players and our strength.”
A concern for Madagascar is the fitness of Marco Ilaimaharitra, their midfield general, who was substituted in the 30th minute of their last game due to injury.
Black Stars vs. Madagascar: Head-to-Head Record
Madagascar’s forward Faneva Andriatsima (4th-L) celebrates his goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Madagascar and DR Congo at the Alexandria Stadium in the Egyptian city on July 7, 2019. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ghana and Madagascar have met six times in competitive matches, with the Black Stars holding a historical advantage:
Ghana Wins: 3
Madagascar Wins: 2
Draws: 1
In their most recent encounter, the Black Stars secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Kumasi during the first leg of the qualifiers in November 2023.
Key Players to Watch
Black Stars
Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, Forward) – The most experienced attacker in Ghana’s squad, expected to lead the front line.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United, Midfielder) – The playmaker-in-chief, who will be Ghana’s main creative force.
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao, Forward) – A pacey and physical striker who will test Madagascar’s defense.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – NOVEMBER 28: Mohammed Kudus of Ghana celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Ghana at Education City Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Madagascar
Njiva Rakotoharimalala (Saint-Pierroise, Midfielder) – One of Madagascar’s most creative players, known for his ability to unlock defenses.
Loïc Lapoussin (Union SG, Forward) – A key attacking presence who will be crucial in troubling Ghana’s backline.
Ibrahim Amada (Al-Khor, Midfielder) – An experienced playmaker who will be instrumental in controlling possession for Madagascar.
What’s at Stake?
This match is pivotal in shaping Group I as the teams battle for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
24 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Soccer: World Cup, Portugal – Ghana, Preliminary Round, Group H, Matchday 1, Stadium 974, the players of the starting eleven of Ghana stand together for a team photo: Inaki Williams (l-r), Samed Salis Abdul, Thomas, Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Rahman Baba, André Ayew, Daniel Amartey, Seidu Alidu, Alexander Djiku and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
✔ If the Black Stars Win:
They extend their lead at the top of the table, making qualification more likely.
They continue their momentum from the Chad game.
✔ If Madagascar Wins:
They overtake Ghana as the Group I leaders.
They boost their chances of a historic World Cup qualification.
✔ If It Ends in a Draw:
Ghana remains at the top, but Madagascar stays within touching distance.
Final Thoughts
The Black Stars have regained some momentum after their dominant performance against Chad, but Madagascar will pose a much sterner test.
With the top spot in Group I on the line, this promises to be an exciting contest where both teams will go all out for victory.
