Ghana took a giant step toward a fifth World Cup appearance with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic in Meknes. Under the floodlights of the Stade d’Honneur, the Black Stars produced a complete performance that blended composure, precision, and hunger, moving them to the brink of qualification for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
From the opening whistle, Otto Addo’s side looked in total control. Ghana’s intent was clear, attack with pace, press with purpose, and finish with conviction. Their dominance was rewarded in the 20th minute when Mohammed Salisu rose highest to meet a Mohammed Kudus corner, heading home the opener to set the tone for the night.
The first half ended with Ghana firmly on top, but it was after the break that the floodgates opened. Thomas Partey doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, latching onto a clever Jordan Ayew pass before rifling a shot beyond the keeper. It was the kind of strike that underlined his influence in midfield and Ghana’s growing confidence.
Ayew, wearing the captain’s armband, was the heartbeat of everything Ghana created. The Leicester City forward delivered two assists and added a goal of his own in the 71st minute, capping a brilliant personal display. His corner in the 57th minute was headed in by Alexander Djiku for Ghana’s third before he smashed home the fourth following a fluid team move.
The final act came in the 87th minute when substitutes Joseph Paintsil and Kamaldeen Sulemana combined to put the gloss on a dominant evening. Sulemana’s neat finish made it 5-0, sealing one of Ghana’s most convincing wins in recent memory.
The result keeps Ghana three points clear at the top of Group I with 22 points and an eight-goal advantage over second-placed Madagascar. A draw against Comoros in Accra on Sunday would seal their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but the manner of this victory suggests they will be aiming for nothing less than another statement performance.
