Ghana produced a clinical, ruthless display to beat the Central African Republic 5–0 in Group I of the CAF section of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Ghana Black Stars, already leading their group, turned dominance into goals through a blend of set-piece precision, midfield control, and incisive finishing.
According to GhanaRegions.com, the Central African Republic struggled to cope with Ghana’s pace, structure, and movement throughout the 90 minutes.
Match Summary
- Result: Central African Republic 0–5 Ghana
- Venue: Stade d’Honneur, Meknès (played on neutral ground in Morocco)
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Goals:
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Mohammed Salisu (20′)
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Thomas Partey (52′)
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Alexander Djiku (69′)
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Jordan Ayew (71′)
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Kamaldeen Sulemana (87′)
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The result firmly established Ghana’s place at the top of the group, keeping their World Cup qualification campaign on track.
How the Match Unfolded
20′ — Mohammed Salisu (1–0):
Ghana took the lead midway through the first half when defender Mohammed Salisu rose highest from a set piece to head home. The early goal set the tone for a dominant performance.
52′ — Thomas Partey (2–0):
Captain Thomas Partey doubled the advantage soon after halftime with a composed finish from the edge of the box. His goal reflected Ghana’s growing control of the midfield battle.
69′ — Alexander Djiku (3–0):
Another defender got on the scoresheet as Djiku converted from close range, underlining Ghana’s aerial superiority and set-piece efficiency.
71′ — Jordan Ayew (4–0):
Just two minutes later, Jordan Ayew pounced on a defensive lapse to make it four. His intelligent positioning and sharp finishing left the Central African Republic reeling.
87′ — Kamaldeen Sulemana (5–0):
Substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana added the final flourish, cutting in from the left wing to fire past the goalkeeper and complete a perfect evening for the Black Stars.
WATCH ALL GOALS VIDEO: Central African Republic vs Ghana (0:5)
Tactical Overview
Midfield Mastery:
Thomas Partey and his midfield partners dictated the game’s rhythm, keeping possession and breaking up opposition attacks effectively. Ghana’s compact shape allowed them to transition swiftly from defense to attack.
Set-Piece Strength:
With goals from defenders Salisu and Djiku, Ghana’s proficiency on dead-ball situations proved decisive. Their movement and delivery repeatedly unsettled the Central African Republic backline.
Pace on the Flanks:
The width provided by wingers like Kamaldeen Sulemana and Joseph Paintsil stretched the opposition defense, creating space for forwards to exploit.
Defensive Solidity:
Ghana’s backline was rarely troubled. The Central African Republic struggled to create clear chances and often resorted to speculative long-range efforts.
Standout Performers
Thomas Partey: The heartbeat of the side, controlled the tempo, broke up play, and scored a superb goal.
Mohammed Salisu & Alexander Djiku: Both defenders not only kept a clean sheet but also contributed goals, showcasing Ghana’s set-piece dominance.
Jordan Ayew: His movement and composure in front of goal were constant threats.
Kamaldeen Sulemana: Injected pace and flair off the bench, capping his performance with a fine individual goal.
What the Result Means
For Ghana:
The victory solidifies Ghana’s leadership in Group I, boosting confidence and goal difference as they edge closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The performance reflected a mature, balanced side capable of both controlling games and exploiting weaknesses with clinical efficiency.
For the Central African Republic:
It was a tough night that exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of attacking cohesion. The team will need to regroup quickly, focusing on organization and counterattacking efficiency in their remaining fixtures.
Looking Ahead
Ghana will look to maintain momentum in their upcoming qualifiers, knowing that consistency will be key to securing a World Cup berth. For the Central African Republic, the focus will shift to rebuilding confidence and salvaging points in the next round of matches.
