Good evening and welcome to the live text commentary of the clash between Ghana and the Central African Republic.
The Black Stars are hosting their counterparts from the Central African Republic tonight in a Round 4 encounter in Group I of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana is looking for victory to go top of the Group I standings and enhance the chance of qualifying for the next World Cup.
⚽️ Matchday - FIFA World Cup Qualifier! 🫵🏾
🇬🇭 Ghana 🆚 Central African Republic 🏟️ Baba Yara Sports Stadium ⏱️ 7:00 PM#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ | #GHACAR pic.twitter.com/zWI3s6GEB2
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 10, 2024
With just one hour before kick-off, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has named his starting eleven for the showdown.
The coach has made 3️ changes to the team that beat Mali, with Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku replacing Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Tariq Lamptey.
📝 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
Head Coach Otto Addo makes 3️⃣ changes to the team that beat Mali, with Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku replacing Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Tariq Lamptey.
🇬🇭 vs 🇨🇫#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ | #GHACAR pic.twitter.com/e8e5J5MMv5
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 10, 2024
First half
1' The Black Stars have kicked us off at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
2' Penalty!!! Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is brought down in the Central African Republic box. The referee awards a penalty to Ghana.
4' Jordan Ayew is the one to take the penalty for Ghana. Goal!!! The Black Stars have equalised through a Jordan Ayew penalty. What a start for Ghana in Kumasi.
6' The game has been calm after Ghana's opener. So much to play for in this one.
9' Mohammed Kudus goes on a powerful run and finds Jordan Ayew in the box. Ayew returns the ball to Kudus but his shot lacks power. Fine play from the hosts.
10' Goal!!!! Central African Republic has equalised to restore parity to the game.
13' The Black Stars are back in control of the game but must be careful.
15' The Ghanaian fans have been silenced after that Central African Republic goal.
18' The defense of the Black Stars have been shaky.
20' Mohammed Salis comes close to scoring but his header is off target.
22' Chance for the visitors again, Ghana is lucky not to have conceded a second goal.
27' The Black Stars have played all the football in the last five minutes but have nothing to show for their dominance.
29' There will be a short cooling break.
30' The game has resumed at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Will there be a second goal before the break?
35' Tough game for both national teams. The Black Stars need to step up their attacking play.
40' We are into the last five minutes of the first half. Ghana 1-1 Central African Republic.
41' Goal!!! Central African Republic has scored their second half. It's Mafouta again. Black Stars are in trouble.
43' Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is not having his day in the post and needs to step up.
45' We will play two minutes of additional time.
45+2' The referee has whistled to bring the first half to a close. We are back in 15 minutes for the second half.
Second Half:
46' We are back for the second half. Will there be more goals?
49' Ghana pushing to get the important goal to draw level but the team has so far been unsuccessful.
53' Ghana's attack now moving forward with more intent. Kudos to the visitors for their strong defensive play.
57' The Black Stars must make the pressure count before they pay for it.
60' Goal!!!! The Black Stars have equalised again. What a header from Jordan Ayew.
62' It's another goal for the Black Stars. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku gets the goal to give Ghana the lead.
65' Antoine Semenyo has replaced Kamaldeen Sulemana in the Black Stars squad.
68' The goals keep coming for the hosts. The Black Stars have scored again. Otto Addo's boys are now cooking something.
72' The Black Stars are now in full control. It's Ghana's game to lose now.
75' Ghana 4-2 Central African Republic.
80' We are now into the last 10 minutes of this thrilling contest.
85' The Black Stars are now playing at their own tempo to see out the match.
90' We have played all the 90 minutes. We will do six minutes of injury time.
90+ 6' Its all over at the Baba Yara SPorts Stadium. Ghana takes a crucial three point to go top of Group I.