By Simon Asare
Accra, Oct. 7, GNA – The Black Stars of Ghana will be taking a giant step towards qualifying for the fifth World Cup when they face the Central African Republic and Comoros in the last round of matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana’s match against the Central African Republic on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, would prove crucial if they are to bolster their chances of being at the biggest football mundial to be staged in USA, Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars sit top of Group I with 19 points, three clear of second-placed Madagascar, who are eagerly hoping for a slip from Ghana.
Ghana could as well book qualification for the World Cup with a win if Madagascar drops points in their penultimate match against Comoros.
The Black Stars’ performance in the qualifiers has been unpredictable, particularly following their draw against the group’s low-ranked side, Chad.
However, the Black Stars bounced back with an impressive 1-0 victory over Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium, which solidified their lead at the top of the group.
The Black Stars would be favourites going into the match against the Central African Republic, who have nothing to play for.
But the last meeting between the two sides saw the Black Stars come back from 2-1 down to edge the Central African Republic 4-3 in a pulsating match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium back in June last year.
Team News
The Black Stars would be without the services of Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams, who sustained an injury in his club’s last match.
Thomas Bradon-Asante, who is having a stellar outing with Coventry City, has been called to replace Inaki Williams.
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who is arguably one of the best players in this season’s EPL, is expected to lead the attack for the Black Stars.
Mohammed Kudus, who scored his first goal for Tottenham over the weekend, would be booming with confidence ahead of the Central African Republic encounter.
The head coach of the Central African Republic, Enza Yamissi, would be without the services of Belarussian-based striker Isaac Ngoma due to injury.
The nation’s top leading scorer, Louis Mafouta, who has 16 goals to his credit, would be hoping to add to his tally.
Central African Republic’s possible starting lineup:
Mauril Abimala (GK); F Yangoa, Gambor, Fourdeau Miambaye, Basse-Zokana, Beyissa, Oualengbe, Gusset, Christian-Theodor Yawanendji; Moustapha Djimet, Louis Mafouta
Ghana’s possible starting lineup:
Benjamin Asare (GK), Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus
Kick Off: 4:00 pm (Local Time)
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade