Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus played key roles in strengthening Ghana’s bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Ivory Coast secured a crucial victory to reclaim the top spot in their qualifying group.
Four-time African champions Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but they now sit five points clear at the top of Group I after a commanding 3-0 away win against Madagascar. Their lead was further cemented as Mali, the group’s top-seeded team, was held to a goalless draw by the Central African Republic. With four rounds remaining in the 10-game qualifying campaign, Mali now sits third, six points behind Ghana.
In Group F, Ivory Coast moved ahead of Gabon by a single point after Sébastien Haller’s first-half header secured a tense 1-0 home victory over The Gambia.
Only the nine group winners in African qualifying will automatically secure a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup. Meanwhile, the four best second-placed teams will enter a playoff for a spot in an intercontinental qualifier, where one more African side will have the chance to reach the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Other Key Qualifying Matches
Burkina Faso closed in on Egypt at the top of Group A with a 2-1 away win over Guinea-Bissau, thanks to a brace from Lassina Traoré. They are now just two points behind the Pharaohs.
In Group H, Namibia remains one point behind Tunisia after a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea. Liberia, meanwhile, moved within two points of the leaders with a 2-1 win over São Tomé and Príncipe. Tunisia has the opportunity to extend their advantage to four points if they defeat Malawi later on Monday (21:00 GMT).
The sixth round of qualifiers will conclude on Tuesday, with 15 fixtures spread across eight groups.
Ayew Shines with Three Assists in Ghana’s Dominant Win
Despite their disappointing AFCON qualifying campaign, Ghana is well positioned to secure back-to-back World Cup appearances.
The Black Stars took an early lead against Madagascar when Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey powered in a header from Jordan Ayew’s precise free-kick in the 11th minute. The duo combined again early in the second half, with Partey heading in another Ayew delivery from a corner. Just five minutes later, newly appointed captain Ayew completed his hat-trick of assists by threading a perfect through ball for Kudus, who slotted home to seal Ghana’s victory.
Ghana’s latest win follows a dominant 5-0 triumph over Chad on Friday, further strengthening their lead in Group I. Their advantage widened after Mali struggled to create clear chances in their frustrating draw against the Central African Republic.
Ivory Coast Remains Unbeaten, Thanks to Fofana’s Heroics
Ivory Coast extended their unbeaten run in Group F but had goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to thank for preserving their narrow victory over The Gambia.
The Elephants started strongly, taking the lead in the 15th minute when Brighton’s Simon Adingra whipped in a cross for Haller to head home. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage after the break when Mohammed Diomande struck the crossbar.
The Gambia, however, grew into the game and created several chances on the counterattack. Fofana was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to deny Alieu Fadera, Mahmudu Bajo, and Alassana Jatta. The visitors nearly grabbed a last-minute equalizer in stoppage time, but Fofana intercepted a dangerous cross before Jatta could tap it in.
Despite keeping a perfect defensive record in World Cup qualifiers, Ivory Coast’s performances against Burundi and The Gambia this month have been less than convincing.
Monday’s African World Cup Qualifying Results & Fixtures
Final Scores:
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Group A: Guinea-Bissau 1-2 Burkina Faso
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Group F: Ivory Coast 1-0 The Gambia
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Group H: Namibia 1-1 Equatorial Guinea, Liberia 2-1 São Tomé and Príncipe
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Group I: Central African Republic 0-0 Mali, Madagascar 0-3 Ghana
