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In a thrilling second half, the Black Stars of Ghana secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic’s Wild Beasts in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10.
Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick and a goal from Abdul Fatawu Issahaku powered the Black Stars to a comeback victory after trailing 1-2 at halftime. This win propels Ghana to the top of Group I with nine points from four matches.
The Black Stars initiated the scoring early in the fourth minute when Ayew, in his 104th cap for Ghana, converted a penalty awarded after Kamaldeen Sulemana was fouled in the box. Ayew’s successful penalty kick, which deceived goalkeeper Dominique Youfeigane, set the tone for a game filled with excitement, witnessed by a full house in Kumasi. Ayew had previously secured the winning goal in Ghana’s 2-1 victory over Mali in Bamako last Thursday.
Despite the strong start, the Central African Republic equalized in the 11th minute. Louis Mafouta exploited a defensive error by center-backs Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu to beat goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Mafouta struck again in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a misjudged back pass by Djiku, to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Ghana side. Coach Otto Addo’s team applied relentless pressure on their opponents, leading to quick goals from Ayew in the 60th minute and Issahaku in the 62nd minute, pushing Ghana ahead 3-2.
Ayew completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, scoring during a goalmouth scramble after goalkeeper Youfeigane failed to secure the ball, giving Ghana a 4-2 lead.
Refusing to back down, the Wild Beasts responded with Mafouta’s third goal—a powerful 30-yard free-kick that beat Ati-Zigi in the 90th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-3. Ghana then held on through five tense minutes of added time to secure their victory.
In a fitting end to the match, Ayew and Mohammed Kudus received standing ovations from the home crowd when they were substituted in the 76th and 89th minutes, respectively, replaced by Elisha Owusu and debutant Brandon Thomas-Asante.
