Ghana thrash Central African Republic 5-0 to move within touching distance of 2026 World Cup qualification

Ghana’s Black Stars are now a single point away from securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic in Morocco on Wednesday.

The result cements their place at the top of Group I, maintaining a three-point advantage heading into Sunday’s decisive clash against Comoros in Accra.

The game began brightly for Otto Addo’s men, who dictated play from the onset.

Mohammed Salisu had the first real chance in the 15th minute, heading wide from a Kudus Mohammed corner.

The Monaco defender made amends moments later, rising highest to nod home another Kudus delivery to open the scoring.

Kwasi Sibo came close to doubling the lead with a powerful run into the box, while Alexander Djiku narrowly missed from close range as Ghana dominated the first half. The Black Stars went into the break 1-0 up but clearly in control.

After the restart, Ghana showed no signs of slowing down. Thomas Partey, playing in an advanced role, doubled the advantage with a thunderous strike after a clever assist from captain Jordan Ayew.

CAR’s first notable attempt came midway through the second half but failed to trouble goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

Ayew turned provider again for Djiku, who scored Ghana’s third with a composed finish before the captain added one himself to make it 4-0. L

ate substitutes Joseph Paintsil and Kamaldeen Sulemana then combined brilliantly to complete the rout with a fifth goal.

With the emphatic win, Ghana remain firmly on course for their fifth World Cup appearance after previous qualifications in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. A draw against Comoros on Sunday will seal their ticket to North America.