Ghana’s Black Stars defeated Madagascar 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco.
Thomas Partey scored twice, and Mohammed Kudus added a goal to lead the Black Stars to a convincing victory against Madagascar.
Ghana leads Group I with 15 points, while Madagascar are second with 10 points. Mali and the Comoros are third and fourth, respectively, with nine points each.
The Central African Republic are fifth with five points, while Chad, the whipping side in the group is last in the group with no points.
Ghana coach Otto Addo made a few changes, starting Jerome Opoku and Abu Francis and benching Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams.
The Black Stars had a strong start to the game, troubling Madagascar’s defence with Salisu Mohammed coming close in the fifth minute.
Partey put the Black Stars ahead in the 11th minute with a powerful header from Jordan Ayew’s lovely cross on the edge of the penalty box.
The Black Stars defence arrangement was quite excellent in the first half hour of the game, as they limited their opponents’ attacks.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was making his second appearance for the Black Stars, had a quiet first half as Madagascar were left to shoot outside the penalty box.
Ghana held onto their solitary 1-0 goal lead as the game went into recess.
The Black Stars of Ghana started the second half on the front foot and scored a cushion through Thomas Partey, who headed home from close range after a beautiful cross from Jordan Ayew.
Kudud Mohammed made it three for the Black Stars in the 59th minute after he was teed up by Jordan Ayew.
It was a hat-trick of assists for Ghana captain Ayew, who had a splendid game as Ghana cruised to victory.
Madagascar huffed and puffed to reduce the deficit, but Ghana was too solid in defence as they kept a clean sheet at the end of 90 minutes.
Ghana would continue their quest for qualification with the next round of matches in September with games against Chad and Mali.
