World Cup 2026Q: Black Stars set for top-of-table clash with Madagascar

The Black Stars will face Madagascar on Monday, March 24. This match is crucial for their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes.

Ghana leads Group I with 12 points from five games. They are two points ahead of Madagascar, who have 10 points.

Ghana's recent victory over Chad boosted their position. They won 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah scored in that match.

Madagascar also had a strong performance recently. They defeated the Central African Republic 4-1 away just two days before Ghana's win.

The upcoming game is vital for the Black Stars' World Cup chances. Semenyo emphasized its importance in an interview with SuperSport.

He stated, "We want to win both games and stay on top." The team aims to put their AFCON disappointment behind them and focus on qualifying for the World Cup.

This will be the fourth meeting between Ghana and Madagascar since 2022. Ghana has won two matches, while one ended in a draw. During this time, they scored four goals and conceded only one.

Monday's match will take place in Morocco due to Madagascar's unfit home ground. A win would give Ghana 15 points, extending their lead in Group I to five points over Madagascar.

Coach Otto Addo has no injury concerns ahead of the game. He may make some changes to the lineup that faced Chad.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.