Partey (L) celebrating with Salisu (M) and Jerome (R)
Ghana’s Black Stars continued their dominant run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Madagascar at Le Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima in Morocco on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The win, Ghana’s fourth successive triumph in the qualifiers, solidified their position at the top of Group I with 15 points, bringing them closer to securing a place at the global showpiece.
Coach Otto Addo made two changes from the side that dismantled Chad 5-0, handing starting spots to Jerome Opoku and Abu Francis in a 3-5-2 setup. Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retained his place in goal following an impressive debut.
The Black Stars wasted no time asserting their dominance and were rewarded in the 11th minute. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey rose highest to head home a pinpoint free kick from Jordan Ayew, beating Madagascar’s goalkeeper Geordan Dupire to give Ghana an early lead.
Ghana nearly doubled their advantage moments later, but Dupire brilliantly denied Mohammed Kudus’ close-range effort.
After a commanding first-half performance, Ghana continued to dictate the tempo, and Partey struck again nine minutes after the break. The midfielder once more connected with an Ayew delivery, this time from a corner kick, to make it 2-0.
The Black Stars remained relentless, and in the 74th minute, Kudus put the game to bed with a clinical finish after being set up by captain Ayew.
Madagascar struggled to create clear-cut chances, as Ghana controlled possession and saw out the game comfortably.
With this victory, the Black Stars have strengthened their grip at the summit of Group I and are edging closer to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Watch highlights of the game below:
