The Black Stars continued their impressive run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, securing a 3-0 victory over Madagascar at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima in Morocco on Monday night.
With this win, Ghana extended their lead at the top of Group I, creating a five-point cushion with just four games remaining in the qualification campaign. The Black Stars will return to action in September when they face Chad away from home, looking to solidify their place in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Madagascar suffered their second loss in Group I, but still remain in second place. Coach Corentin Martins will aim to get his side back on track when they take on the Central African Republic in September.
Partey’s Aerial Dominance Punishes Madagascar
The Black Stars looked dangerous from the start, particularly from set-pieces, and it was their aerial threat that proved too much for Madagascar to handle.
Just 11 minutes into the match, Ghana capitalized on Madagascar’s poor marking, with Thomas Partey heading home from a Jordan Ayew free-kick. The Arsenal midfielder made no mistake, putting Ghana ahead and scoring his 14th international goal for the Black Stars.
Ghana maintained control of the game, going into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Black Stars Dominate Second Half
After halftime, the Black Stars wasted no time in pressing for a second goal, and they found it just eight minutes into the second half.
Once again, Partey rose highest to meet a Jordan Ayew corner, nodding home his second goal of the night and his 15th international goal to make it 2-0 for Ghana.
With Madagascar struggling to contain Ghana’s attacking threats, Jordan Ayew continued his playmaking masterclass. In the 58th minute, he delivered his third assist of the match, threading a defense-splitting pass to Mohammed Kudus, who calmly slotted the ball into the net for Ghana’s third goal.
With that, the Black Stars sealed a commanding 3-0 win, ensuring that they stay in firm control of Group I as they edge closer to World Cup qualification.
Final Score:
Madagascar (0) 0 Ghana (1) 3 (Partey 11′, 53′, Kudus 58′)
Madagascar Starting XI:
Dupire, Fontaine, Morgan, Marcelin, Acapandié, Couturier, Raveloson, Baggio (Rakotoharimalala 69′), Caddy (Abdallah 77′), Lapoussin (Ilaimaharitra 69′), Randrianantenaina (Raheriniaina 69′).
Ghana Starting XI:
Asare, Djiku, Mensah (Simpson 80′), Opoku (Adjetey 83′), Salisu, Partey, Kudus (Annan 81′), Francis (Nuamah 80′), Ayew, Schindler, Semenyo (I. Williams 71′).
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With Partey’s leadership and Ayew’s creativity, the Black Stars are looking stronger than ever as they inch closer to a return to the World Cup.
