Black Stars seal World Cup spot with victory over Comoros
Ghana 1–0 Comoros
Scorer: Mohammed Kudus (47’)
The Black Stars secured their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday in Accra.
Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus was once again the difference-maker, striking early in the second half (47’) to send Ghana to their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Otto Addo’s men maintained their remarkable record — 25 years unbeaten at home in World Cup qualifiers — and finished top of Group I ahead of Madagascar.
The celebrations in Accra reflected the pride and joy of a nation ready to shine again on the global stage.
Mali 4–1 Madagascar
Scorers: Lassine Sinayoko (10’, 64’), Dorgeles Nene (39’), Gaoussou Diarra (90’+5) – Johan N’Zi (90’)
Mali ended their qualifying campaign in style with a dominant 4–1 victory over Madagascar in Bamako.
Lassine Sinayoko opened the scoring in the 10th minute before completing his brace after the break (64’). Dorgeles Nene (39’) and Gaoussou Diarra (90’+5) added to the tally as the Eagles flew high.
Madagascar’s Johan N’Zi netted a late consolation goal (90’), but the result sees Mali finish third in the group — just one point short of Madagascar — after a promising campaign full of attacking football.
Chad 2–3 Central African Republic
Scorers: Célestin Ecua (53’), Marius Mouandilmadji (87’) – Delphin Mokonou (3’), Vénuste Baboula (31’), Karl Namnganda (90’+3)
A thrilling contest in N’Djamena saw the Central African Republic edge Chad 3–2 in a match that showcased the fighting spirit of both teams.
Early goals from Delphin Mokonou (3’) and Vénuste Baboula (31’) put the visitors ahead before Chad hit back through Célestin Ecua (53’) and Marius Mouandilmadji (87’).
Just when a draw seemed inevitable, Karl Namnganda struck deep into stoppage time (90’+3) to secure victory for Les Fauves du Bas-Oubangui. It was an encouraging end to the campaign for the Central Africans, who recorded their second win in qualifying, while Chad bowed out with pride.
Egypt 1–0 Guinea-Bissau
Scorer: Mohamed Hamdy (10’)
With qualification secured already, Egypt wrapped up their qualifiers with a professional 1–0 win over Guinea-Bissau in Cairo.
Left-back Mohamed Hamdy provided the only goal, heading home a pinpoint cross from Ahmed Koka in the 10th minute.
Without captain Mohamed Salah, rested for the occasion, the Pharaohs controlled proceedings and maintained their dominance to finish with eight wins in ten matches. Coach Rui Vitória and his men will now focus on preparations for their return to the world stage — six years after Russia 2018.
Djibouti 1–2 Sierra Leone
Scorers: Abdichakour Farah (29’) – Juma Bah (45’+2), Sallieu Tarawallie (72’)
Sierra Leone came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory over Djibouti in their final qualifier.
Abdichakour Farah gave Djibouti the lead in the 29th minute after a fine team move, but defender Juma Bah equalized for the Leone Stars just before halftime (45’+2).
Sallieu Tarawallie then struck the winner midway through the second half (72’) to seal three points for Sierra Leone, who finish third in the group. Despite finishing winless, Djibouti showed clear signs of progress and development throughout their campaign.
Burkina Faso 3–1 Ethiopia
Scorers: Pierre Landry Kaboré (65’, 82’, 90’+6) – Biniam Ayten (84’)
Burkina Faso kept their hopes alive with a commanding 3–1 victory over Ethiopia in Marrakech.
Super-sub Pierre Landry Kaboré was the hero of the evening, coming off the bench to deliver a stunning hat-trick (65’, 82’, 90’+6).
Biniam Ayten pulled one back for Ethiopia in the 84th minute, but the Stallions — guided by Brama Traoré — completed their campaign with confidence and attacking flair.
With 23 goals scored and five wins in their last six matches, Burkina Faso boast the best attack in Group A and now await confirmation of their standing among the best runners-up in the African qualifiers.