2026 World Cup qualifiers: Comoros and Ghana neck-and-neck in Group I

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Africa Zone have reached a thrilling juncture in Group I, with the completion of the 3rd and 4th matchdays. The Comoros team, which led the group before the international break, continues to share the top spot, now alongside a resurgent Ghana.

Comoros Holds Firm Despite Setback

Comoros began their campaign with a perfect record, amassing 6 points from their first two matches.

However, their momentum hit a snag on June 7, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Madagascar. Despite this setback, the team quickly bounced back with a convincing 2-0 victory over Chad.

This crucial win allowed Comoros to maintain their leading position in Group I with a total of 9 points. However, their path to the top is now challenged by a formidable competitor.

Ghana’s Triumphant Comeback

Ghana, who had a shaky start to the qualifiers, made an impressive turnaround. Positioned 4th with just 3 points after their initial matches, the Black Stars knew a swift response was essential.

They delivered by defeating Mali 2-1 and narrowly overcoming the Central African Republic 4-3.

These back-to-back victories catapulted Ghana into joint leadership with Comoros, each holding 9 points.

Ghana’s resurgence has added a dramatic twist to the group dynamics.

Madagascar’s Resilient Performance

Madagascar showed resilience by defeating Comoros 2-1, a victory that reignited their campaign.

Their subsequent match against Mali, however, ended in a 0-0 draw, a commendable result given they played with ten men for 75 minutes following Louis Demoleon’s early red card.

With 7 points from four matches, Madagascar remains a strong contender, sitting third in the group.

Mali’s Disappointing Run

Mali, expected to be strong contenders, faced disappointment. After a home defeat to Ghana, they could only manage a draw against Madagascar, garnering just one point from two matches.

This underwhelming performance has dropped them to 4th place in the group standings with 5 points.

Central African Republic and Chad’s Struggles

The Central African Republic experienced mixed results, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Chad but falling short against Ghana in a high-scoring 4-3 defeat.

They are now 5th with 4 points. Chad, on the other hand, remains at the bottom, still seeking their first points after two more losses.

Current Group I Standings

1. Comoros – 9 points
2. Ghana – 9 points
3. Madagascar – 7 points
4. Mali – 5 points
5. Central African Republic – 4 points
6. Chad – 0 points

As the qualifiers progress, Group I remains fiercely competitive. With Comoros and Ghana leading the charge, the coming matchdays promise further excitement and dramatic shifts in the standings.