Black Stars secures 5th FIFA World Cup qualification with victory over Comoros

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

Ghana Black Stars have officially booked its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sealing the qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros at a vibrant Accra Sports Stadium.

The Accra Sports Stadium came alive on Sunday as the Black Stars shone bright, qualifying for the fifth time for the world’s most sought-after tournament in football at the country level, in a colorful ceremony.

The game started at 7 pm, but the fans started trooping in by 2 pm, and the stadium was literally full by 5 pm. The euphoria was immense in victory as the Stars were already in a comfortable lead to qualification.

The atmosphere is worth describing as intimidating to the visiting team, the Comoros, especially when the players first came out for warm-up.

From the opening whistle, the Black Stars controlled the tempo, leveraging the energy of a fervent home crowd. Despite creating several early chances, Ghana was repeatedly denied by a resilient Comoros defense, particularly goalkeeper Anzimati Aboudou Adel, who made critical saves against Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo.

The first half ended scoreless, with Ghana displaying tactical discipline, aware that a draw was sufficient to qualify.

The team’s patience paid off immediately after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Kudus expertly finished a low cross from Alidu Seidu to break the deadlock.

The decisive 47th-minute goal from Kudus proved to be the difference, sending the packed stadium into a frenzy and securing one of Africa’s 10 automatic spots for the tournament.

The goal ignited the team, which continued to press for a second, but Adel remained resolute in the goal post for the away side.

A formidable midfield partnership between Thomas Partey and Sibo Kwasi provided a solid foundation, seamlessly transitioning the team from defense to attack.

By the 85th minute, Coach Otto Addo had made his five changes, including those of Jordan, Semenyo, Kudus, Sibo, and Alidu Seidu. Bringing in Caleb Yirenkyi, Joseph Paintsil, Thomas Asante, Christopher Baah, and debutant Kojo Peprah Oppong.

Comoros created late scoring opportunities in the 87th and 91st minutes, but the Ghanaian defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure the historic victory.

The win marks a triumphant return to the world’s biggest football stage for the Black Stars, who will now prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Otto Addo’s Post-Comoros Press Conference

After marking his 2nd World Cup qualification as our coach in perfect fashion by beating Comoros 1-0, Otto Addo was soon in the Accra Sports Stadium press conference room to field questions from the media.

In summary of the game, he said, “I think we had a good game. The first three, four minutes, they had a good chance. But they didn’t score. But in all, I think we controlled the game. They came like I expected and they’re very, very dangerous. I think everybody saw that, especially when they have counterattacks, they’re so really, really dangerous. But we managed the game well. We grew into the game. And the solid defence, but also a good midfield. I think at one, we could have done a little bit more to create more chances.”

On what to do to succeed at the World Cup, he said, “We have to take it game by game, you know? People who are now talking about the World Cup, sorry, but we are nowhere close. The squad, I think, in 2010 made the quarterfinals. And they had seven, eight players who were playing regularly in the Champions League or top level. We are not there yet.”

FIFA Boss Acknowledges Ghanaian Fans

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has praised Ghanaian football fans for the passion, colour, and energy they bring to the global stage, following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a video message after Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Comoros, confirming a spot at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Infantino commended both the players and their supporters, describing the moment as significant for Ghana and African football.

“Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States,” he said.

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