Ghana’s Black Stars delivered a commanding display at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, Morocco, crushing the Central African Republic (CAR) 5-0 in their
Ghana’s Black Stars delivered a commanding display at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, Morocco, crushing the Central African Republic (CAR) 5-0 in their penultimate Group I fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana asserted complete control from the commencement of the game until the final whistle was blown.,
Otto Addo’s side put up probably their best performance since his return as the head coach of the Black Stars.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Mohammed Salisu rose highest to meet a corner from Mohammed Kudus, heading home the opener.
Ghana’s dominance continued, with Kudus and Semenyo creating multiple chances, though the first half ended 1-0.
CAR struggled to contain Ghana’s fluid movement and pressing, rarely threatening the Ghanaian goal.
The Black Stars’ composure and patience paid off after the break, as they ramped up the intensity and punished their opponents with clinical finishing.
Just seven minutes into the second half, Jordan Ayew dazzled with a solo run, slicing through the CAR defence before laying off a perfect pass to Thomas Partey, who calmly slotted in Ghana’s second goal.
The floodgates opened from there. In the 69th minute, Alexander Djiku made it 3-0 with a powerful header from another Ayew assist.
Two minutes later, Ayew turned scorer, netting his seventh goal of the qualifiers with a sublime finish that left the CAR goalkeeper rooted.
Ghana’s substitutes added more firepower late in the game. Kamaldeen Sulemana, introduced in the second half, combined with Joseph Paintsil to score the fifth goal in the 87th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The result not only highlighted Ghana’s attacking depth but also their defensive solidity, as CAR failed to register a single goal despite playing at a neutral venue.
The win was a statement of intent from the Black Stars, who now sit atop Group I with 22 points.
This emphatic victory puts Ghana in pole position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
With one game remaining against Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, a draw or a win will guarantee Ghana’s spot in the global showpiece.
The team has recorded five wins and a draw in their last six matches, reflecting on the resurgence under Otto Addo, who has successfully blended tactical discipline with attacking flair.
The match against CAR will be remembered not just for the score line but for the cohesion and hunger displayed by the Black Stars.
From Salisu’s opener to Sulemana’s late strike, every goal was a product of teamwork and precision.
As Ghana prepares for their final group game, fans across the country will be buoyed by the team’s performance, hopeful that the Black Stars will shine on the world stage once again.
Ghana’s starting IX
4-2-3-1
Benjamin Asare (GK)
Caleb Yirenkyi (RB)
Gideon Mensah (LB)
Salisu Mohammed (LCB)
Alex Djiku (RCB)
Thomas Partey (CM)
Kwasi Sibo (CM)
Fatawu Issahaku (LW)
Antoine Semenyo (RM)
Mohammed Kudus (AM)
Jordan Ayew (ST)
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