Ghana will be looking to take a decisive step toward securing direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face the Central African Republic (CAR) in Meknès, Morocco, on Wednesday for Matchday 9 of the African qualifiers.
The Black Stars currently sit top of Group I with 19 points, three ahead of second-placed Madagascar, and know that victory could all but guarantee their place at next year’s global showpiece. However, their qualification hopes could still hinge on other results, particularly the clash between Comoros and Madagascar taking place at the same time. A slip-up by the Barea would seal Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance.
Otto Addo’s side have been in impressive form throughout the qualifying campaign, winning six of their eight matches. Their only blemishes came in a 1-0 defeat to Comoros on Matchday Two and a 1-1 draw with Chad earlier in September. The Black Stars bounced back strongly with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mali in Accra, extending their goal tally to 17 – the highest in the group – while conceding just six.
Overall, 2024 has been a positive year for Ghana, who have recorded four wins, one draw, and one defeat from six matches. Expectations are high for another win on Wednesday against a CAR side with little left to fight for but pride.
Les Fauves’ World Cup dream is already over, but they will be eager to put on a show after pushing Ghana close in a 4-3 defeat in the reverse fixture in Kumasi. However, their recent form paints a worrying picture — five losses in their last six outings across all competitions, including five straight games without scoring.
CAR’s only victory in the qualifiers came in June 2024, when they edged Chad 1-0, marking one of just two clean sheets in the campaign. They have conceded 17 goals – the second-highest in Group I – while managing to score only eight. The team will be hoping to end their eight-match winless streak on home soil in Morocco.
For Ghana, captain Jordan Ayew has been instrumental, leading the scoring charts with six goals. He will once again spearhead a talented squad that includes Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. The team is determined to make a statement, especially after missing out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kickoff is scheduled for 16:00 GMT at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknès, Morocco, where the Black Stars will look to edge one step closer to booking their ticket to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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