Central African Republic vs Ghana: Mohammed Salisu Scores to Put Black Stars in the Lead
- Mohammed Kudus and his namesake, Mohammed Salisu, combined brilliantly to net Ghana’s opener against the Central African Republic
- The Black Stars have now scored seven goals from set pieces since the March international window
- Ghana could secure qualification for next year’s global showpiece in North America if Madagascar drop points against Comoros
Mohammed Kudus picked up right where he left off for Tottenham Hotspur, producing yet another moment of brilliance for the Black Stars in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic in Meknes, Morocco.
The 25-year-old playmaker, who has been in sensational form in recent weeks, once again proved his class by creating Ghana’s opening goal on Wednesday, October 8.
Source: Twitter
Kudus provides assist for Salisu’s opener
With Ghana dominating in the early stages, Kudus stepped up in the 20th minute to deliver a pinpoint corner kick.
His teasing cross found the towering Mohammed Salisu, who rose highest to nod home a powerful header that gave Ghana the breakthrough.
The moment summed up Kudus’ growing influence both at club and international level.
Source: Twitter
According to Transfermarkt, the Nima-born attacker has already registered five assists across seven Premier League outings for Tottenham, and his creative spark once again made the difference for Otto Addo’s men.
Salisu’s opener gave Ghana a deserved lead in a game of huge stakes, as the team push to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Watch the video:
According to sports journalist Owuraku Ampofo, the Black Stars now have seven goals from set pieces since the March international break
Kudus once again proved his worth to the team, delivering when it mattered most and underlining his influence as Ghana’s creative heartbeat.
Black Stars demolish CAR in second half
After the Kudus-Salisu combination led to the opener, the Black Stars dominated possession and carved out several chances, but went into halftime with only a 1–0 lead.
Shortly after the restart, Thomas Partey doubled the advantage with a composed strike after a clever link-up involving Jordan Ayew in the 52nd minute.
Watch Partey's goal:
Alexander Djiku then made it 3–0 in the 69th minute, latching onto another Ayew assist, before the Leicester City forward turned scorer two minutes later — volleying home a delightful cross from Gideon Mensah.
Ayew’s latest contribution extends his remarkable run, taking him to seven goals and seven assists in the qualifiers — the highest of any player.
In the closing moments, Kamaldeen Sulemana added a fifth, calmly slotting home a precise pass from Joseph Paintsil in the 87th minute for his first-ever goal in national colours.
Watch Sulemana's goal:
Reflecting on the performance, Fitman Jaara, a journalist with Daily Guide Network and Focus FM, told YEN.com.gh:
“Not to take anything away from Otto Addo and his charges, I think the result was expected. But the way and manner in which we dispatched the Central African Republic speaks of a team brimming with confidence. This emphatic win not only boosts morale but sends a warning to their rivals — the Black Stars are peaking at the right time.”
With one game left, Ghana need just a draw against Comoros on Sunday to officially book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Otto Addo shrugs off pressure claims
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Black Stars coach Otto Addo dismissed claims that he and his players are under pressure ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier.
Ghana will lock horns with the Central African Republic in a decisive showdown in Meknes, Morocco, on Wednesday, October 8.
Source: YEN.com.gh
