Following a 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic, thanks to the inspired performance from Jordan Ayew on Wednesday at the Stade d'Honneur in their World Cup qualifying matchday nine, the Black Stars only require a point from their last Group I match on Sunday.
Midway through the first half, Mohammed Salisu’s strong header from Mohammed Kudus’s corner put the Black Stars ahead.
Before the Leicester City forward sent a brilliant first-time volley, Ayew arranged second-half goals for former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku. Across goal and into the bottom corner in the 71st minute. Kamaldeen Sulemana contributed the fifth to preserve his team’s three points ahead on the table.
Madagascar hung onto a 2-1 away victory over Comoros in the battle with their closest opponents in Group I, thus maintaining their position aiming to be eligible for their first ever World Cup while also destroying their rivals’ aspiration to do the same.
Opening in the 11th minute in a game played in unrelenting driving rain in neutral Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Clement Couturier side-footed for the visitors. For a few amazing first-half saves, the Malagasy had goalie Geordan Dupire to thank; then, El Hadary Raheriniaina’s potent 73rd-minute header made the score 2-0.
With eight minutes left to set up a possible grandstand finish, Rafiki said pulled a goal back, but the match ended in comical scenes as the Comoros keeper Salim Ben Boina sent off, a flooded pitch virtually prevented play and held up the ball on the turf.
Handball stoppage time on the periphery of the center circle as he tried to halt a counter attack. In the last round of games on Sunday (19:00 GMT), Ghana will host Comoros and Madagascar.
Though their goal differential means they may yet qualify even if they lose, Ghana just requires one point to guarantee their place at the World Cup.
To deny the West Africans first place, Madagascar must triumph; hopefully the Black Stars lose and also reverse an eight-goal disadvantage.
