Accra, June 13 (UNI) A hat-trick by Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew led Ghana to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Matchday Four of Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, on Monday.
The Black Stars got off to a flying start as Ayew converted from a spot kick six minutes into the game, making it 1-0 after Issahaku Fatawu was fouled in the penalty box.
CAR responded six minutes later with their lead striker Louis Mafouta scoring to level the match. Mafouta added another goal in the 41st minute, giving the away team an advantage going into halftime.
Playing before their vociferous home fans, the Black Stars applied pressure on CAR early in the second half. Their efforts paid off in the 60th minute when Ayew latched onto an assist from Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah to equalize, making it 2-2.
Two minutes later, Ghana found the net again to make it 3-2 through Issahaku Fatawu, thanks to a Thomas Partey assist that helped the young attacker send the ball past CAR goalkeeper Dominique Youfeigane.
Jordan Ayew completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, sending another strike beyond the reach of the CAR goalkeeper, bringing the score to 4-2.
However, CAR was not finished. Mafouta scored his third goal in the 90th minute, creating a nerve-wracking moment for the home team in the final minutes. The referee eventually blew the whistle, ending the game at 4-3 in favor of the Black Stars.
With this win, Ghana tops Group I with nine points, two goals ahead of Madagascar and Comoros, who each has six points, with Madagascar in second place due to goal difference.
Mali and CAR follow with four points each, while Chad is at the bottom with no points.
Ghana’s recent 2-1 victory over Mali in Bamako on Thursday, combined with this win, put the West Africans on track for their fifth qualification to the FIFA World Cup.
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Chandigarh, June 13 (UNI) Each Punjabi athlete participating in the Olympics will receive Rs 15 lakh for their preparation, state Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer announced on Thursday.
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