Ghana’s Black Stars secured another narrow victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, edging out the Central African Republic (CAR) 4-3 in a thrilling match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Jordan Ayew, delivering perhaps his finest performance in the Ghanaian jersey, netted a hat-trick, while Fatawu Issahaku added another goal, ensuring the team’s unbeaten home record at the Baba Yara Stadium remained intact.
The Black Stars have not suffered a defeat at this venue since 2000.
The match was a tale of two halves for the four-time African champions, who needed a spirited second-half display to recover from a lacklustre first-half performance.
Ayew opened the scoring just three minutes into the game with a coolly taken penalty. However, the visitors demonstrated resilience, equalising in the 11th minute through Louis Mafouta’s clinical finish.
Mafouta capitalised on a defensive error to give the Central African Republic the lead just before halftime, leaving Ghana trailing by a goal as they headed into the break.
The Black Stars returned rejuvenated for the second half, with Mohammed Kudus orchestrating their attacking play.
Jordan Ayew levelled the score in the 60th minute, connecting with a delightful cross from Gideon Mensah.
Abdul Fatawu Isshaku extended Ghana’s lead two minutes later with a deflected effort from the edge of the box, before Jordan completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capitalising on a rebound.
Despite a late free-kick goal from Mafouta in the 90th minute, Ghana held on to secure their second consecutive victory in the qualifiers.
With this win, Ghana now leads Group I with 9 points, followed by Madagascar and Comoros with 6 points each.
Mali and the Central African Republic are tied for fourth place with 4 points each, while Chad sits at the bottom of the table with zero points.