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In the thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Ghana’s Black Stars and The Central African Republic, held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Monday, June 10, 2024, the action was non-stop.
The game kicked off with a bang for Ghana as they secured a penalty just five minutes in, which was confidently dispatched by Jordan Ayew, giving the Black Stars an early 1-0 lead.
However, the lead did not last long as Louis Mafouta capitalized on a defensive lapse from AS Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu to brilliantly equalize for The Central African Republic just five minutes later.
The match then became a tightly contested affair, with both teams pushing forward and creating half chances that went begging.
As the first half drew to a close, Mafouta once again showcased his skill by piercing through the Black Stars’ defense and slotting the ball past Lawrence AtiZigi, giving The Central African Republic a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Ghana fighting back, with Gideon Mensah’s cross finding the head of Jordan Ayew, who scored the equalizer after Kama Sulemana had missed earlier chances in the game.
Just two minutes later, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, on loan from Leicester City, saw his deflected shot find the back of the net, putting the Black Stars ahead 3-2 after 62 minutes.
Jordan Ayew added to Ghana’s tally, scrambling home the fourth goal to make it 4-2 after 69 minutes, leaving 21 minutes on the clock to play.
The game wasn’t over yet, as Mafouta scored a brilliant freekick, bringing the score to 4-3 at the end of the pulsating encounter between the two teams. Both Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta left their mark on the game by scoring impressive hat-tricks.