Ghana’s 5–0 rout of CAR sets stage for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
The Black Stars of Ghana produced a magnificent all-round performance to thrash the Central African Republic (CAR) 5–0 in their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, taking a giant step toward securing a place at next year’s global showpiece.
The emphatic victory, recorded at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco, saw goals from Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana, an exhibition of Ghana’s fluidity, balance and hunger under head coach Otto Addo.
From the first whistle, Ghana displayed intent and control, dictating the pace through confident possession play and intelligent movement.
The opening breakthrough came in the 20th minute when defender Mohammed Salisu rose superbly to head home from a Mohammed Kudus corner, giving the Black Stars a well-deserved lead after sustained pressure.
The second half turned into a masterclass in efficiency. Thomas Partey doubled the advantage with a strike from inside the box following a slick attacking sequence involving Fatawu Issahaku and Kudus.
The momentum continued to build as Alexander Djiku fired home Ghana’s third, before Jordan Ayew produced a sublime volley, his seventh goal of the qualifying campaign, to make it 4–0.
Young winger Kamaldeen Sulemana put the finishing touch on a commanding display, slotting in Ghana’s fifth goal late in the game to mark his first-ever senior international strike for the Black Stars.
