Black Stars clinch 5-0 convincing win against CAR in World Cup qualifiers

The Black Stars of Ghana produced a dominant display to thump the Central African Republic 5–0 away from home, moving to the brink of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A spirited second-half performance sealed the emphatic win, meaning Ghana now need just a single point from their final qualifying game to book a spot at the World Cup.

Head coach Otto Addo made one change to the side that defeated Mali last time out, handing a start to Fatawu Issahaku in place of Jonas Adjetey.

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Ghana began the match on the front foot, pressing the hosts high and creating early chances. Alexander Djiku had the first real opportunity but saw his effort cleared off the line.

The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute when Mohammed Salisu rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Mohammed Kudus, giving the visitors a deserved 1–0 lead.

Buoyed by the opener, the Black Stars maintained control and nearly doubled their advantage shortly after. Kwasi Sibo saw his powerful header saved, while Djiku was penalized moments later for handling the ball inside the box.

Antoine Semenyo came close to extending Ghana’s lead after being played through by Kudus, but his effort went narrowly wide. Djiku then missed another golden opportunity, blasting off target after a clever flick from Salisu.

Despite dominating possession, Ghana went into the break with a slender 1–0 lead.

After the restart, Otto Addo’s men continued to dictate play. Kwasi Sibo and Djiku both went close again before Thomas Partey finally made it 2–0 in the 52nd minute. The Arsenal midfielder latched onto a pass from Jordan Ayew, beat his marker, and coolly slotted home.

The Central African Republic threatened briefly, forcing Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare into a fine save from Karl Namnganda’s shot in the 64th minute.

Ghana, however, remained ruthless. Alexander Djiku headed home from a Jordan Ayew corner to make it 3–0, before Ayew turned scorer himself connecting beautifully with a Gideon Mensah cross for his seventh goal of the qualifiers.

Coach Otto Addo introduced Kamaldeen Sulemana, Joseph Paintsil, and Elisha Owusu for Partey, Semenyo, and Issahaku, adding fresh energy to the attack.

The substitutes combined brilliantly for Ghana’s fifth goal, Paintsil’s precise low cross was calmly tapped in by Kamaldeen Sulemana, putting the finishing touch on a dominant performance.

With one game remaining, the Black Stars are firmly in control of their qualification destiny and look set to return to the global stage in 2026.

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