In an electrifying World Cup qualifier, Jordan Ayew shone brilliantly, scoring a hat trick to propel the Black Stars to a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
This match, part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, added another thrilling chapter to Ghana’s football journey.
The Black Stars faced an early setback, with CAR’s Louis Mafouta taking advantage of defensive errors to give his team a 2-1 lead by halftime. Mafouta’s goals, including a sublime free kick in the 90th minute, showcased his skill and kept the match on a knife edge until the final whistle.
Returning to the starting lineup, Jordan Ayew justified head coach Otto Addo’s faith by delivering a near-perfect hat trick. Ayew opened the scoring with a calmly converted penalty in the 6th minute, placing the ball in the bottom right corner. His second goal, a precise header in the 60th minute, demonstrated his aerial prowess. Just nine minutes later, Ayew completed his hat trick with a close-range finish, cementing his role as Ghana’s hero of the night.
Ghana’s fightback was bolstered by a crucial goal from Fatawu Issahaku, whose deflected shot in the 62nd minute restored parity and set the stage for Ayew’s match-winning efforts. The Black Stars’ improved second-half performance highlighted their resilience and tactical adjustments, allowing them to overcome the CAR’s early dominance.
The match also marked the international debut of England-born Brandon Thomas-Asante, who plays for West Bromwich Albion. His introduction adds fresh talent to the Black Stars’ lineup as they continue their qualification campaign.
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With this victory, Ghana completes a pair of wins in the latest round of qualification games, strengthening their position in the race for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The thrilling nature of the win, punctuated by Ayew’s hat trick and the team’s fighting spirit, will be remembered by fans and underscores the Black Stars’ determination to succeed on the global stage.
As Ghana looks forward to the next rounds of qualifiers, the team’s unity and ability to overcome challenges will be key to their ongoing success. The win over CAR not only boosts their qualification hopes but also inspires confidence in their journey towards the World Cup.
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