Ghana Crushes Central African Republic 5–0

In a commanding display of footballing excellence this Wednesday, the Black Stars of Ghana delivered a resounding 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. 

🇬🇭 Match Recap: A Statement Win

Played at Stade d’Honneur in Meknès, Morocco, the match saw Ghana dominate from start to finish. From set pieces to open play, the visitors were incisive and clinical. 

• The scoring opened in the 20th minute as Mohammed Salisu headed home from a corner, after a precise delivery from Mohammed Kudus.  
• In the 52nd minute, Thomas Partey doubled the lead, finishing a well-worked move with a right-footed shot across goal.  
• Ghana’s third came soon after, when Alexander Djiku rose to meet a Jordan Ayew delivery from a corner to make it 3–0.  
• Jordan Ayew continued to torment the hosts — in the 71st minute, a defensive error by CAR allowed Ayew to volley Ghana’s fourth.  
• The fifth and final goal came in stoppage time (87′) when Sulemana volleyed in a cross from Paintsil, marking his first ever goal for the national team.  

By full time (added time +3), Ghana had secured the emphatic win and kept firm control of Group I. 

📋 Standings & Stakes

With the 5–0 win, Ghana remains top of Group I and now needs just a draw in their final match to secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. 

Their closest pursuers, including Madagascar, trail behind and will now be reliant on results going their way to challenge Ghana’s lead. 

This result sends a strong message to all rivals: Ghana is not just contending — they are asserting themselves as a serious force in the qualifiers.

🔍 Key Takeaways & Reactions

• Tactical discipline: Under coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars pressed high, suppressed CAR’s buildup, and turned defensive weaknesses into scoring opportunities.
• Set-piece strength: Two of the goals came from corner situations (Salisu, Djiku), reflecting Ghana’s preparation on dead-ball scenarios.
• Depth matters: The use of substitutes later in the match — including bringing on Paintsil, Owusu, and Sulemana — helped maintain pressure and finish strong.
• Rising stars: Sulemana’s goal (his first for Ghana) underlines the growing talent pool within the national team.

In his post-match comments, Addo expressed satisfaction with the performance but emphasized that the job is not yet done: “We must stay humble and focus on the final game,” he was quoted saying.

📰 What’s Next?

• Ghana’s final Group I match will decide whether they seal a direct spot at the World Cup.
• Attention will also turn to Madagascar and other contenders who may require reversal results to overtake Ghana.
• Observers will be watching the fitness and form of key players like Ayew, Partey, Salisu, and dynamic substitutes such as Sulemana.

For Nsemgh readers: stay tuned for in-depth analysis, player ratings, and reaction pieces from the dressing room soon.

Congratulations to the Black Stars—keep shining!

Nsemgh.com