Ghana secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Madagascar in a fast-paced and tactically disciplined performance in their World Cup Qualification Group I clash on Monday night away in Morocco.
The commanding win follows another flawless performance on Friday when Otto Addo’s charges put 5-0 past bottom-rock Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, climbing closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana Takes Control
The match began with Ghana asserting dominance early on, sticking to a clear game plan of maintaining possession, exploiting set pieces, and forcing Madagascar wide to limit their attacking threat.
Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered ball from Jordan Ayew on a set piece situation.
Ghana’s effective use of a double pivot in midfield, which stifled Madagascar’s nimble interplay. Despite Madagascar’s quick inter-passing, they struggled to create clear chances, lacking a decisive edge in the final third.
At halftime, Ghana led 1-0, with observers noting the need for more aggression in winning second balls.
Ghana Seals the Win
After the break, Ghana elevated their intensity. Partey struck again, from a similar fashion heading in a powerful effort from another precise Jordan Ayew delivery, doubling the lead and underlining his influence on the game.
Mohammed Kudus completed the scoring with a clinical finish, also assisted by Ayew, who was pivotal in orchestrating Ghana’s attack throughout the match.
The Black Stars’ defense remained resolute, giving Madagascar little room to mount a comeback. Substitutions in the latter stages, including fresh legs like Iñaki Williams, ensured Ghana maintained their momentum while protecting the clean sheet.
Key Performers
Thomas Partey (Ghana): A brace and a commanding presence in midfield, earning praise for his connection with Jordan Ayew and his decoyed no.10 masterclass.
Jordan Ayew (Ghana): Provided all three assists with “golden deliveries,” proving instrumental in breaking down Madagascar’s defense.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): Scored the third goal, however, he lost possession and slowed Ghana’s possible attack multiple times.
Madagascar: The Barea showed flashes of quality with quick passing but failed to trouble Ghana’s backline significantly.
Tactical Insights
Ghana’s strategy was executed to perfection: prioritizing ball retention, leveraging set-piece opportunities, and maintaining a compact defensive shape. Madagascar, despite moments of promise, couldn’t penetrate Ghana’s organized defense or capitalize on their possession, ultimately fading as the match progressed.
What does the win mean?
This emphatic win strengthens Ghana’s position in Group I, where they currently hold the top spot with 15 points with four games to go.
With only the group winner guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, the Black Stars’ superior goal difference and attacking form send a strong message to their rivals.
Black Stars have now scored eight (8) goals in just two (2) games and fifteen (15) over the series averaging four (4) goals per game in the last two. and 2.5 goals per game from the seven matches played in entirety.
Madagascar, ranked second in the group prior to this match, now face an uphill battle to recover in the qualification race.
The qualifying series will be on break and return in September where the Black Stars will play away to Chad in the 7th round.
