Andrew Olsson
October 12, 2025World Cup (Q): Ghana celebrate qualification with win; Madagascar eliminated by Mali
Photo: Ghana Football Association
World Cup (Q): Ghana celebrate qualification with win; Madagascar eliminated by Mali
The Ghana national team confirmed a widely anticipated ticket to the 2026 World Cup on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Comoros to conclude Group I action at the Accra Sports Stadium.
— new follow: @centerofgoals (@nana_branc80396) October 12, 2025
Mohammed Kudus finished from a Thomas Partey cross in the 47th minute to give the Black Stars the victory they desired to celebrate qualification for the finals in front of their passionate home supporters.
The hosts controlled proceedings throughout and only a lopsided home defeat would have threatened qualification for the Black Stars, who will make their sixth appearance at a the world’s most prestigious tournament when they participate at the 2026 finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
In the other Group I match, Madagascar’s hopes of advancing to the regional playoff as one of the top four group runners-up was crushed by already eliminated Mali.
— new follow: @centerofgoals (@nana_branc80396) October 12, 2025
Les Aigles dominated the islanders in a 3-1 victory at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, eliminating the possibility of more than one team qualifying from Group I. Lassine Sinayoko and Dorgeles Nene scored in the first half and Sinayoko added another in the second half before a late consolation from Madagascar in second half stoppage time.
Earlier on Sunday, Central African Republic defeated hosts Chad 3-2 in an entertaining match between already eliminated teams.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Final Group I Table
- Ghana- 25 points
- Madagascar- 19 points
- Mali- 18 points
- Comoros- 15 points
- Central African Republic- 8 points
- Chad- 1 point
