Ghana�s Black Stars delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Madagascar on Monday evening in Morocco, further solidifying their position at the summit of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Coming off a resounding 5-0 thrashing of Chad just days earlier, Otto Addo�s men showcased their adaptability, experience, and attacking flair to secure a crucial three points, extending their lead at the top of the group to five points with four matches still to play.
Arriving in Morocco on Saturday, the Black Stars had little time to acclimatize but demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical flexibility. Addo opted to tweak the successful 4-1-4-1 formation from the Chad game, switching to a 5-3-2 setup that saw Jerome Opoku and Francis Abu step into the starting XI in place of Inaki Williams and Ernest Nuamah. The change paid dividends as Ghana asserted themselves from the outset, eager to stamp their authority on the contest.
The Black Stars wasted no time in threatening Madagascar�s goal. Early in the match, a well-executed Jordan Ayew free kick found Mohammed Salisu unmarked, though the defender couldn�t direct his effort on target. Undeterred, Ghana�s persistence bore fruit midway through the first half when Thomas Partey rose highest to meet another pinpoint Ayew delivery from a set-piece, nodding home to give his side a deserved lead. The Arsenal midfielder�s goal ignited the team, though their momentum waned as the half progressed. Madagascar, growing in confidence, managed to stabilize but failed to muster any real danger before the interval, leaving Ghana in control at the break.
The second half saw the Black Stars rediscover their rhythm and ruthlessness. Partey struck again, this time converting from an Ayew corner with a powerful header that left Madagascar�s defense helpless. The goal doubled Ghana�s advantage and swung the game firmly in their favor. The night�s defining moment, however, came when Mohammed Kudus ended his year-long goal drought with the national team. Ayew, the architect once more, provided a sublime assist, threading a perfectly weighted pass for Kudus to slot home with composure, sealing the 3-0 scoreline and sending the Ghanaian contingent into raptures.
Ayew�s hat-trick of assists underscored his pivotal role in the victory, his vision and precision proving too much for Madagascar to handle. With the result all but assured, both sides rang the changes late on, a tacit acknowledgment that the Black Stars were coasting to the finish line. Madagascar offered little resistance in the closing stages, unable to breach a Ghanaian defense marshaled expertly by Salisu and bolstered by the steady presence of Opoku.
This emphatic win, Ghana�s second in a matter of days, highlights their growing cohesion under Addo�s stewardship. The tactical shift to a 5-3-2 formation showcased their versatility, while the contributions of Partey, Kudus, and the irrepressible Ayew underlined the squad�s depth and quality. Sitting atop Group I with a five-point cushion, the Black Stars are now in pole position to secure a fifth World Cup appearance, a prospect that grows more tangible with each commanding performance.
Reflecting on the result, the mood in the Ghana camp is one of cautious optimism. �We�re delighted with the win and the way we played, but there�s still work to do,� a team spokesperson noted post-match. �The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum.� The Black Stars� next challenge comes in September against Chad, a fixture they will approach with confidence buoyed by this latest triumph.
For Madagascar, the defeat is a setback in their qualification hopes, but they can take solace in moments of resilience against a formidable opponent. For Ghana, however, Monday�s display in Morocco was a statement of intent�a blend of grit, skill, and experience that has brought the 2026 World Cup dream one step closer to reality.
