L-R Benjamin Asare, Jordan Ayew and Alidu Seidu
In Morocco, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, under the warm October sky, the Black Stars played like a team reborn.
Their 5–0 demolition of the Central African Republic wasn’t just a statement of intent; it was the sound of a nation finding its rhythm again on the long road to the 2026 World Cup.
It was dominance from start to finish, sharp pressing, ruthless finishing, and a sense of calm that has often eluded this team.
But behind the scoreline lies a deeper story: the individuals who have risen, and those who now find themselves on the wrong side of Ghana’s resurgence.
‘World Cup here we come!’ – Ghanaians celebrate emphatic win over CAR
Winners
Benjamin Asare
Before Benjamin Asare stepped between the posts, Ghana had conceded five goals in their opening four qualifiers.
Since his rise to the number one spot? Just one in five games. At 33, and after years of quiet excellence in the domestic league, the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper is finally living his dream.
His first call-up, built on 12 clean sheets and only seven goals conceded in 18 league games, wasn’t a fluke; it was a reward for consistency.
Against CAR, he recorded yet another clean sheet, extending a run that has turned Ghana’s goalkeeping conversation from chaos to calm.
Experience, it seems, has found its place again between the sticks.
Caleb Yirenkyi
Not long ago, Caleb Yirenkyi was a rising teenager at FC Nordsjælland, but his performances at the 2025 Unity Cup, where Ghana finished third, announced him as something special.
His maturity, composure, and defensive intelligence earned him a World Cup qualifying debut against Chad and Mali, and since then, the right-back position has become his.
Against CAR, the 20-year-old once again showed why Otto Addo trusts him, sharp in recovery, fearless in duels, and intelligent going forward. It’s safe to say the right-back shirt is his to lose.
Call him captain, call him savior, either fits. Jordan Ayew has carried Ghana’s qualification hopes on his shoulders, producing one of the most remarkable runs in World Cup qualifying history.
With 7 goals and 7 assists in 9 games, the captain has been directly involved in nearly every crucial moment of Ghana’s campaign.
Against CAR, he scored once and set up two more, his tireless work ethic and leadership driving the team toward their fifth World Cup.
Kwasi Sibo
If ever there was a story of seizing the moment, it’s Kwasi Sibo’s. Not even in Otto Addo’s initial plans, the Real Oviedo midfielder earned a late call-up due to injuries, and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
His performance against Mali was so commanding that he retained his spot versus CAR.
Now, his chemistry with Thomas Partey looks promising, and what began as a short-term solution may have evolved into a permanent partnership in Ghana’s midfield.
Losers
Alidu Seidu
It’s not that Alidu Seidu has done much wrong; fate and form simply moved on. The Stade Rennes defender, once Ghana’s undisputed right-back, lost his spot after a long injury layoff.
He’s fit again and back in the squad, but against CAR, he never left the bench. With Yirenkyi thriving, Seidu may need to wait until qualification is sealed to reclaim his place.
Lawrence Ati Zigi
From Qatar 2022’s starting goalkeeper to watching from the sidelines, Lawrence Ati Zigi’s decline has been swift.
After Richard Ofori fell out of favour, Zigi was expected to take command, and he did feature in early qualifiers against Mali and CAR.
But since Benjamin Asare’s emergence, he’s been benched for five straight games.
It’s a harsh reality in football: form trumps memory, and right now, Asare owns the gloves.
Ghana’s win over the Central African Republic wasn’t just a victory; it was validation.
A team once criticized for inconsistency is now finding balance, backbone, and belief.
With one foot already on the plane to North America 2026, Otto Addo’s men look like a side finally rediscovering what it means to wear the Black Star with pride.
FKA/EB
Meanwhile, watch highlights of Ghana’s 5-0 win over Central African Republic in World Cup qualifiers
