The road to the 2026 World Cup takes another crucial turn for Ghana on Wednesday as the Black Stars travel to Meknes to face the Central African Republic. Otto Addo’s side sit top of Group I with 19 points, three ahead of Madagascar, and a win would all but seal their ticket to North America. But while the equation looks simple on paper, Addo knows the task requires full focus and discipline to the final whistle.
This game carries a sense of destiny for Ghana, who are chasing a fifth World Cup appearance. Their form in the qualifiers has been strong, winning six of eight matches and scoring 17 goals, the highest in their group. Despite a few stumbles, including a 1-0 loss to Comoros and a 1-1 draw with Chad, the Black Stars have shown resilience and control.
Otto Addo, speaking ahead of the clash, struck a calm yet determined tone. “We have to take it serious to the last minute. Surely, I know we have our offensive strength and we will create chances. But it’s very important that everybody’s on their toes,” he said. The coach also praised the return of Alidu Seidu and Fatawu Issahaku, both fit and ready after injury spells.
The game will be played at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, a neutral venue due to CAR’s ongoing home ground issues. Otto Addo welcomed the setting, noting that evening conditions would help his players adapt better. “It’s easier for our players to adapt. The players look sharp and we have to win,” he said confidently.
Ghana’s captain Jordan Ayew, with six goals in the qualifiers, leads an experienced core featuring Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku. Kudus has been in fine form at Tottenham, and Addo acknowledged his impact, saying he “created a lot of chances” at club level. The blend of youth and experience has been central to Ghana’s resurgence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
For CAR, this fixture is about pride. Les Fauves have already been eliminated and are enduring a tough run, with five defeats in their last six matches and no goals in their previous five. They lost 4-3 in Kumasi in a thrilling reverse fixture and will hope to frustrate Ghana this time.
