Black Stars of Ghana: 5 Most Outstanding Players in World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad, Madagascar
- Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus failed to break into the Top 5 Black Stars performers across both matches
- What truly stands out is the team’s impressive collective display in the two World Cup qualifiers back in March of this year
- The Black Stars now take on Chad and Mali in their next two World Cup 2026 qualifiers this month
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The Black Stars of Ghana showcased an impressive performance in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in March of this year.
On March 21, Otto Addo’s side demolished Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium, before following it up with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Madagascar in Morocco on March 24.
Source: Getty Images
Both matches highlighted the Black Stars’ attacking strength and suggested that the team, which missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, is steadily bouncing back.
While the Black Stars displayed resilience and skill across the board, a few players truly shone with standout performances.
In this article, we rank the top five most impressive performers from these two matches, though ex-West Ham United playmaker Mohammed Kudus, now at Tottenham Hotspur, surprisingly missed out on the list.
1. Jordan Ayew
Against Chad, skipper Jordan Ayew played a key role in Ghana’s 5-0 victory, including scoring from the penalty spot, according to One Football. His most remarkable display came in the 3-0 win over Madagascar, where he provided all three assists, linking up perfectly with teammates like Thomas Partey.
Ayew’s ability to deliver precise crosses and pick out runners in dangerous positions made him invaluable, cementing his status as Ghana’s top performer over the two games.
2. Thomas Partey
Against Madagascar, the new Villarreal star scored a brace, both goals coming from perfectly timed headers, underlining his exceptional positioning and heading ability.
Beyond scoring, Partey, who is embroiled in a major legal battle in England, provided vital defensive cover, breaking up opposition attacks and ensuring smooth ball distribution.
3. Antoine Semenyo
Another Ghanaian standout in the wins over Chad and Madagascar was Antoine Semenyo, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s 5-0 triumph over Chad.
Against Les Sao, the Bournemouth attacker opened the scoring in under a minute, immediately setting the tone for the Black Stars’ dominant display before impressing in the 3-0 success against Madagascar in Morocco.
4. Mohammed Salisu
AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu was a cornerstone of Ghana’s defence in the successive wins back in March. Renowned for his physical strength, aerial ability, and precise tackling, Salisu provided stability at the heart of the backline.
His commanding presence ensured the Black Stars remained organised and difficult to break down. Against both Chad and Madagascar, his performance stood out, as he was crucial in preserving the clean sheet and neutralising sporadic attacks.
Source: Getty Images
5. Benjamin Asare
The fifth outstanding performer in those impressive victories was Hearts of Oak's Benjamin Asare, who made a remarkable debut for the Black Stars, shining in Ghana’s 5-0 triumph over Chad and 3-0 win against Madagascar.
The local goalkeeper handled the pressures of his first national team appearance with remarkable composure and confidence. While Chad and Madagascar offered limited attacking threats, Asare’s calm decision-making, secure handling, and command of the penalty area stood out.
Meanwhile, veteran Ghanaian sports journalist Alhaji Salia Mahama, in an interview with YEN.com.gh, has urged the Black Stars to secure their World Cup qualification in the upcoming matches against Chad and Mali.
"I’m confident the Black Stars will secure qualification with wins over Chad and Madagascar. These victories are crucial not just for the team in order to avoid any last minute calculations like it happened to us during the AFCON 2025 qualification."
Black Stars player ratings vs. Madagascar
YEN.com.gh previously published the player ratings for the Black Stars in their 3-0 away victory over Madagascar’s Barea, coached by French manager Corentin Martins.
Otto Addo’s side delivered a commanding performance at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima in Morocco, securing a vital win that propelled them to the top of the group standings with 15 points, according to the Ghana Football Association.
Source: YEN.com.gh
