2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Five things we learned as Ghana thumped Central African Republic

The Black Stars have taken a huge step in their quest for a fifth appearance at the World Cup following a thumping victory over the Central African Republic in Morocco on Wednesday afternoon. 

Led by veteran forward and captain Jordan Ayew, with a goal and two assists, the West Africans strolled to a 5-0 win in Meknes. AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring with a powerful header before Thomas Partey doubled the advantage moments after the break.

Alexander Djiku scored for the second game running after connecting to a corner from Ayew before the Leicester City forward scored from a stunning half volley.

Second half substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana then sealed victory after meeting a cross from LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil.

Here are the five things GHANASoccernet learned from the game against the Central African Republic.

Black Stars utilise set-pieces 

Ghana is gradually gaining notoriety for their judicious use of set-pieces. In the game against CAR, the Black Stars benefited twice from set-pieces earned after an avalanche of attacking display. Salisu headed home from Mohammed Kudus' corner in the 20th to open the scoring before Djiku also scored from a set-piece. The Black Stars were denied from another corner after Kwasi Sibo's strike was stopped by CAR's goalkeeper. The practice of scoring from corner kicks and freekicks has been effective in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana swift attacking display 

In recent times, the Black Stars have been criticised for playing it safe and being more defensive. However, coach Otto Addo deployed an all-attacking side against C.A.R., starting two of the EPL's most in-form players Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, alongside Leicester City's Fatawu Issahaku and Ayew. The quartet were a handful for the defence of the hosts, as the swiftly interchanged position any time Ghana surges forward. Although the most of the goals came from defenders and a midfielder, the attacking play of the four saw Ghana create many chances and set-pieces.

Experience players came to the party 

Ayew, Salisu, Djiku and Partey led by example. The experienced players in the team turned up when needed the most. Following the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup, the pressure was on the big boys to lead the way. In a crucial penultimate game, the three captains all marked their names on the scoresheet to ease the pressure on the rest of the players.

Otto Addo's timely substitutions 

While he has been blamed for taking too long to make changes, Addo knew when to bring on fresh legs against CAR. He effected a trio of changes which saw Painstil and Kamaldeen come on with 15 minutes remaining before later adding two more substitutes. Sulemana, who netted the last goal, created by fellow substitute Painstil, could have scored twice on the day. Elisha Owusu also came on to control the midfield.

Jordan Ayew's inspiring role 

Ayew may not be much of a talker but he seized the opportunity as a captain to do most of the work on the pitch. The Leicester City striker is arguably the best player in the qualifiers on the continent, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists in nine matches. His best run in a Black Stars shirt. Even when he weight of pressure was enormous, he delivered with two assists and a goal against C.A.R.

By Lukman Abdul Mumin

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