Jordan Ayew scored three goals as the Black Stars of Ghana beat the Central African Republic on Monday night in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The Crystal Palace attacker scored the first goal of the game for the Black Stars in the 6th minute after expertly converting a penalty kick awarded to Ghana due to Abdul Fatawu Isshaku being brought down in the box.
Amiens SC forward, Louis Mafouta, equalized for the Central African Republic in the 11th minute after capitalizing on a defensive blunder from the Ghana national team.
Just before halftime, Louis Mafouta struck again in the 41st minute, capitalizing on another defensive mistake by the Black Stars to score his second goal of the game and give the Central African Republic a 2-1 lead, allowing the Wild Beasts head into the break with momentum on their side.
The half time tactical tweak was displayed on the field after recess, as the Black Stars of Ghana came into the game much stronger, with Jordan Ayew scoring his second goal of the game via a header from a precise cross by Gideon Mensah, helping Ghana get an equalizer to level the scoreline (2-2 ) in the 60th minute.
Just 2 minutes later, Leicester City player Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored the third for the Black Stars after his shot deflected and found the back of the net, securing a 3-2 lead for the team.
Jordan Ayew scored the 4th goal for Ghana and cemented his hat trick in the 69th minute of the game. However, the Central African Republic’s Wild Beasts pulled one back in the 90th minute, as Louis Mafouta’s free kick found the back of the net, ending the game with a thrilling 4-3 scoreline.
The game ended 4-3 after 90+4 minutes of play as the Black Stars of Ghana grabbed their second consecutive victory in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The Black Stars will now go top of Group I with 9 points after 4 games played.
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
