Black Stars cruise past Madagascar 3-0 to strengthen 2026 World Cup qualification bid

The Black Stars continued their impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Madagascar at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima in Morocco.

The victory strengthens Ghana’s position at the top of Group I with 15 points.

The Black Stars wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the 10th minute. A well-placed free-kick from captain Jordan Ayew found Thomas Partey, who rose highest to head home Ghana’s first goal.

Madagascar showed attacking intent, with Rayan Reveloson attempting a long-range effort in the 23rd minute, but Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare remained untroubled.

The game became more physical, leading to a yellow card for Madagascar’s Baggio after a rough challenge on Ayew in the 25th minute.

Despite some pressure from Madagascar, Ghana held onto their 1-0 lead at halftime.

The Black Stars resumed with intensity, causing problems for the Madagascar defense. Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew came close to scoring early in the half but were off target.

However, Ghana soon doubled their lead in the 53rd minute, once again through the Partey-Ayew combination. Ayew’s well-taken corner kick was met by the Arsenal midfielder, who powered in another header.

Just five minutes later, Ayew registered his third assist of the night, dazzling past three defenders before delivering a perfect pass to Mohammed Kudus, who clinically smashed home Ghana’s third goal in the 58th minute.

Ghana controlled the rest of the match, managing possession efficiently to see out an emphatic win.

The victory solidifies Ghana’s lead in Group I with 15 points, while Madagascar remains second with 10 points, and Mali sits third with 9 points.