World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Ghana rout Madagascar in 3-0 victory to solidify Group I leadership

Ghana maintained their dominant streak in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Madagascar at Le Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima in Morocco on Monday evening.

The Black Stars registered a total team performance to clinch leadership at the helm of Group I with 15 points via a fourth successive win.

Head trainer Otto Addo had two options from the side, which beat Chad 5-0 in their previous match, and he deployed Jerome Opoku and Abu Francis on the first team in a 3-5-2 structure.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak got in goal in his place.

Black Stars indicated their purpose in time and were paid back for their pressure timely, and they began scoring just in the 11th minute.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey climbed the highest to guide Jordan Ayew’s perfectly-delivered free-kick past Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire and give Ghana an early advantage.

Ghana had nearly doubled the advantage a while later, but Mohammed Kudus’ close-range effort was expertly blocked by Dupire.

Madagascar were unable to create clear-cut opportunities as Ghana asserted dominance in the game and set the rhythm.

Nine minutes after halftime, Partey added the second, heading another Ayew delivery from a corner kick to extend Ghana’s lead.

The Black Stars continued to press, and Kudus sealed it at 3-0 with a composed finish after being threaded through by captain Ayew.

Madagascar had no response to Ghana’s dominance, as the West Africans rode to the finish line.

The win entrenches Ghana’s position as leaders of Group I, and they are set to guarantee World Cup qualification.