Madagascar host Ghana as 2026 World Cup top-spot battle continues

Madagascar will host Ghana on Monday as the top-spot battle continues in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in the second leg of this encounter.

The Black Stars thrashed their group counterpart Chad 5-0 in a thrilling display at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday to take the top spot in a Group I fixture.

Before Friday’s emphatic win against group minnows Chad, the Black Stars had endured a disappointing and painful exit to the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), playing six games without a win.

Black Stars coach Otto Addo, however, continued his positive performance in the World Cup qualifiers after amassing three wins and two draws in five games during the campaign – extending his undefeated status in the qualifiers to seven.

In a much easier game that saw the Stars record five goals scored for the first time since October 12, 2020, this sets up a perfect return league against the Bareas of Madagascar whom the Stars beat 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first-leg by courtesy of an Inaki Williams goal to clinch all three points.

Inaki Williams celebrates after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win against Madagascar.

Madagascar host Ghana but on neutral grounds due to their failure to meet FIFA’s approved stadium standards. The game will now be played at the Grand Stade d’AI Hoceima in Morocco.

Madagascar have enjoyed a good campaign so far in the qualifiers, with the latest win coming in a 4-1 away game against the Central African Republic.

This game will by no means be a walk-over for the Black Stars as witnessed on Friday night in Accra – and we are sure to witness a cagey duel between the two sides.

Madagascar will be looking to avoid another defeat at the hands of a more confident Black Stars who have no option but to qualify for football’s biggest tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.