The Black Stars of Ghana are on the brink of securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they prepare to face the Central African Republic (CAR) in their penultimate Group I fixture today, October 8, at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
Ghana currently sits atop Group I with 19 points, three clear of second-placed Madagascar. A win over their already-eliminated opponents could see Otto Addo’s men take a decisive step toward their fifth World Cup appearance.
Match Preview
Victory on Wednesday would all but guarantee Ghana’s qualification, though the final confirmation could depend on results elsewhere — particularly in the clash between Madagascar and Comoros, which kicks off simultaneously.
Should Madagascar fail to beat Comoros, a Ghana win would officially seal their ticket to the 2026 Mundial.
The Black Stars have been impressive throughout the qualifiers, winning six of their eight matches. Their only setbacks came in a 1-0 loss to Comoros on Matchday 2 and a 1-1 draw with Chad in September. They bounced back strongly with a 1-0 victory over Mali in Accra, extending their tally to 17 goals — the highest in the group — while conceding just six.
Otto Addo’s side has shown consistency in 2024, registering four wins in six games (D1, L1). Facing a side with nothing to play for, the expectation is that Ghana will deliver another confident performance.
CAR, meanwhile, are battling for pride. The Les Fauves have endured a disappointing campaign, losing five of their last six matches across all competitions and failing to score in their most recent five outings.
Their only win in the qualifiers came in a 1-0 victory over Chad in June 2024. However, with 17 goals conceded — the second-most in the group — and an eight-match winless run (D3, L5), head coach Eloge Enza Yamissi’s men face a daunting task against the in-form Black Stars.
Qualification Scenarios
Ghana will officially qualify if:
- They defeat CAR, and Madagascar fail to beat Comoros.
- A draw between Madagascar and Comoros, combined with a Ghana win, would also confirm qualification.
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to finish the job.
“We are very close. The players have their destiny in their hands. They have done all the work and must add the finishing touch. They should go out, play their hearts out and get the win,” noted Gyan.
“Some games come with good pressure and keep you on your toes. This is one of those games. I feel there is a bit of pressure, but that is normal. Some of the players did it in 2022, and I am sure they can handle it.”
Team News
CAR coach Eloge Enza Yamissi has named a 23-man squad for their doubleheader against Ghana and Chad, retaining much of his previous selection. A 5-3-2 formation is expected, though Isaac Ngoma misses out. Louis Mafouta — the nation’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals — is set to lead the line alongside Moustapha Djimet.
For Ghana, Otto Addo has named a 24-man squad featuring the returning duo of Alidu Seidu and Fatawu Issahaku after lengthy injury layoffs.
The squad also includes key figures such as Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Mohammed Kudus, who netted his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Antoine Semenyo, in fine form for Bournemouth with six Premier League goals, is expected to start in attack. Addo is likely to maintain his preferred 3-4-3 system, with Kudus, Ayew, and Semenyo forming the attacking trio.
Alexander Djiku, who scored the winner against Mali, should marshal the defence alongside Mohammed Salisu and Jonas Adjitey, while Benjamin Asare is expected to remain in goal.
Probable Lineups
Central African Republic:
Abimala, F. Yangoa, Gambor, Miambaye, Basse-Zokana; Beyissa, Oualengbe, Gusset, Yawanendji; Djimet, Mafouta
Ghana:
Asare, Salisu, Djiku, Opoku; Alidu, Mensah, Sibo, Partey; Semenyo, Ayew, Kudus
Prediction:
Central African Republic 0–2 Ghana
The Black Stars are expected to maintain their momentum and edge closer to another World Cup appearance with a composed display in Meknes.
