Sports
Black Stars shine bright with dominant win over Madagascar in World Cup qualifier
Thomas Partey scored twice, once in each half, while Mohammed Kudus ended his goal drought, as Ghana defeated Madagascar 3-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier on Monday.
Seeking to solidify their lead, the Black Stars dominated the game, scoring three goals to secure a convincing win.
Coach Otto Addo made two changes to the starting lineup that thrashed Chad 5-0 on Friday, bringing in Francis Abu and Jerome Opoku in place of Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams.
Ghana asserted their control from the outset, dictating the pace and dominating possession.
Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the 12th minute, heading home a delightful Jordan Ayew free kick.
After the break, Madagascar made several substitutions, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to alter the game’s dynamics.
However, Ghana remained resolute. Thomas Partey scored his second goal in the 54th minute, courtesy of another impressive Jordan Ayew corner kick.
Mohammed Kudus added Ghana’s third goal in the 59th minute, providing a comfortable cushion. The West Ham United ace coolly slotted home after being put through by Jordan Ayew.
As the game progressed, Coach Addo made several substitutions, bringing on Ernest Nuamah, Razak Simpson, and Inaki Williams for Francis Abu, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo.
Gideon Mensah, who had a stellar game in the wingback position, was replaced by Ebenezer Annan, while Jonas Adjetey came on for Jerome Opoku.
Throughout the match, Ghana’s attacking trio Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus posed significant problems for Madagascar’s defense, creating scoring opportunities aplenty.
Ghana’s win solidifies their position at the top of Group I with 15 points. Madagascar has 10 points from five matches, with three wins, one draw, and one loss.
Ghana has scored 12 goals in the qualification group stage, averaging 2.40 goals per match.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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