Ghana will be looking to punch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they lock horns with the Central African Republic (CAR) in Meknes on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM GMT, in what promises to be a crucial Group I encounter.
The Black Stars head into Matchday 9 sitting comfortably atop the group with 19 points, three ahead of nearest challengers Madagascar, and know that another victory could put them within touching distance of automatic qualification.
Probable lineups
Central African Republic (probable):
Abimala, F. Yangoa, Gambor, Miambaye, Basse-Zokana, Beyissa, Oualengbe, Gusset, Yawanendji, Djimet, Mafouta
Ghana (probable):
Asare, Adjetey, Djiku, Salisu, Yirenkyi, Sibo, Partey, Mensah, Semenyo, Ayew, Kudus.
Otto Addo lauds red-hot Kudus ahead of Central African Republic clash
Momentum and stakes
A win for Otto Addo’s side would almost certainly guarantee Ghana a fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage, though the mathematics could depend on results elsewhere. As the Comoros and Madagascar clash simultaneously, a stumble by the Barea could see Ghana’s qualification sealed before the final round of fixtures.
💪🏾 Confidence in every word.
🌟 #BlackStars are ready to give it their all today! 🫡🇬🇭#FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/52lTmxRKnj
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) October 8, 2025
Addo’s men have been largely dominant throughout the qualifiers, winning six of their eight matches. Their only setbacks came in a narrow 1–0 defeat to the Comoros and a frustrating 1–1 stalemate with Chad during September’s double-header.
The response since then has been resolute. Ghana edged Mali 1–0 in Accra to reclaim momentum, extending their tally to 17 goals, the highest in the group, while keeping things relatively tight at the back with only six conceded.
Team form and outlook
The Black Stars’ form in 2024 has been solid, registering four wins from six matches (one draw, one loss). That consistency has fuelled optimism that Wednesday’s contest will bring another confident display, particularly against a CAR team already out of the qualification race.
☀️ Matchday mood in Meknès! 🇲🇦
Ready for battle against CAR 🇨🇫 later today. 👊🏾#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/6W547Hx640
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) October 8, 2025
For the Central African Republic, this fixture is about pride and redemption. Les Fauves will be eager to avenge their heartbreaking 4–3 defeat in Accra earlier in the campaign, a match that remains one of the most entertaining of the qualifiers.
However, recent form tells a tougher story: they have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions and have failed to score in their last five outings.
