Jordan Ayew netted a hat-trick as the Black Stars of Ghana had their chances of qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup boosted after they defeated Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Monday night.
The Black Stars took an early lead in the 5th minute after Fatawu Issahaku was brought down in the 18-yard box, allowing Jordan Ayew to register his name on the scoresheet from the spot.
However, Central Africa Republic came level six minutes after, capitalizing on Mohammed Kudus’s mistake from the middle of the park, to lobby the ball over Ghana’s defense to Luis Mafouta, who calmly placed the ball into the net.
The away side could have doubled their lead following Alexander Djiku’s dangerous back pass but Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Atzigi was quick to react to the situation to clear his lines.
Louis Mafouta again placed Central African Republic ahead with just five minutes to the end of the first half.
After the break, Otto Addo’s men had total control of the game, and just on the 60th minute, Jordan Ayew got the second goal of the night, with a slick assist from Gideon Mensah.
Two minutes later, Fatawu Issahaku restored Ghana’s lead after his shot was deflected into the goalpost to send the Kumasi crowd roaring.
Jordan Ayew again got on the scoresheet on the 69th-minute mark to complete his hat-trick for the night and his second for the Black Stars.
But with just to the end of the game, Central African Republic pulled one back again to end the match 4-3 in favour of Ghana.
The results mean Ghana is first in Group I, with 9 points.
