Benjamin Asare (L), Ati-Zigi (M) and Thomas Partey (R)
The Black Stars ended the fifth and sixth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a high note, picking up impressive wins against Chad and Madagascar on March 21 and March 24, 2025, respectively.
The games showcased moments of brilliance and key performances that have solidified their lead at the top of the standings.
However, while some players seized the spotlight with standout displays, others struggled to make an impact.
As the road to the World Cup becomes clearer, here is a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from Ghana’s latest qualifying matches.
Winners
Benjamin Asare
Arguably the biggest winner within the squad, the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper has gone from battling relegation with Great Olympics a season ago to becoming the number one for the Black Stars during the qualifiers.
Even though Asare’s performances with Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League had been outstanding, few expected him to feature in the two crucial games.
Otto Addo placed his trust in Asare, handing him his debut against Chad and keeping him in goal for the game against Madagascar.
Asare repaid this faith by keeping two clean sheets in both matches.
With Addo reaffirming Asare as the Black Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper, these qualifiers couldn’t have gone better for the 33-year-old.
Despite years of criticism, Jordan emerged as the driving force behind the Black Stars’ push for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
His performances in the games against Chad and Madagascar earned him back the fans’ love and support.
Not long ago, fans were calling for his exclusion, but after his standout displays and leadership on the pitch, they are now likely to demand his inclusion in the next squad.
Jordan contributed to five of Ghana’s eight goals across the two games, scoring one and assisting four.
Much like Jordan, Partey has been under scrutiny, with fans labelling him uncommitted. However, his performances in both games have dispelled those accusations.
Against Chad, he controlled proceedings in midfield, helping the team regain their rhythm. His dominance was evident again against Madagascar as the Black Stars dictated the game from the midfield.
Partey also found twice the net against the Bareas, turning critics into admirers. The fans who once doubted him are now singing his praises, cementing his status as a true winner of the qualifiers.
Losers
Joseph Wollacott
Until his injury, which occurred weeks before the 2022 World Cup, Wollacott was the undisputed number-one goalkeeper for the Black Stars.
He was instrumental when Ghana eliminated Nigeria in the playoffs for the 2022 World Cup.
Despite his impressive exploits, Wollacott has since lost his spot, playing second fiddle over the last couple of years.
He did not play any role in the two qualifying games, missing out yet again.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi
After Wollacott’s injury, Ati-Zigi became the Black Stars’ number-one goalkeeper, playing all three matches during the 2022 World Cup.
However, he lost his position to Richard Ofori during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite his impressive performances for his club, St. Gallen, Ati-Zigi remained with the team but rarely got the chance to start.
With Ofori absent from the squad for the games against Chad and Madagascar, Ati-Zigi might have felt this was his opportunity to reclaim the starting spot.
However, Addo opted for Benjamin Asare to start in both matches, leaving Ati-Zigi as an unused substitute. This missed opportunity ultimately made Ati-Zigi one of the biggest losers of the qualifiers.
FKA/EK
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians applaud Black Stars for excellent performances against Chad, Madagascar
