Iñaki Williams gave Ghana a winning start to World Cup qualification when he scored deep into injury time to secure a 1-0 victory over Madagascar on Friday.
Ghana has qualified for four of the last five World Cups, only missing out on Russia in 2018 and reaching the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.
The Black Stars were heavy favorites at home against Madagascar but manager Chris Hughton’s side struggled to break down the visitors’ organized defense in Kumasi.
Williams finally broke the deadlock with a powerful header after the Spain-born Athletic Bilbao forward had an earlier goal disallowed for offside.
Both teams observed a moment of silence in memory of former Ghana and Levante striker Raphael Dwamena, who collapsed and died on the pitch during an Albanian league match last Saturday.
Also on Friday, Leicester striker Patson Daka scored twice as Zambia beat Republic of Congo 4-2 at home. Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala scored the other goals for the hosts in Ndola. Silvère Ganvoula M’Boussy and Mons Bassouamina scored for the Congolese.
Malawi won 1-0 away to Liberia in Monrovia with a 78th-minute goal from teenager Chifundo Mphasi.
Libya won 1-0 away against Eswatini in a match played in South Africa, Comoros beat Central African Republic 4-2 at home and Guinea beat Uganda 2-1 in Morocco.
Nine teams from Africa qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tenth team could make it to the playoffs.
Image Source: CTV News
