In the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Inaki Williams scored an injury-time winner, giving Ghana a 1-0 victory over Madagascar at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Athletic Bilbao forward connected with a cross from Gideon Mensah in the 95th minute, breaking the deadlock and securing a solitary win for the Black Stars.

The match saw Jordan Ayew's early attempt on target saved by the Malagasy goalkeeper, Melvin Adrien. Despite Ghana's efforts, the first half ended without a goal as Madagascar defended deep and looked to catch their opponents on the counter.

Ghana's coach, Chris Hughton, made strategic substitutions, bringing in Majeed Ashimeru and Denis Odoi, making the team more attacking-minded.

he second half saw Ghana creating opportunities, with Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams threatening the Madagascar goal.

In the 81st minute, Madagascar had a chance to take the lead, but the header hit the upright, and the rebound went wide. The match seemed destined for a draw until Inaki Williams' decisive header in the 95th minute secured the victory for Ghana.

The late winner thrilled the home crowd in Kumasi, and the Black Stars earned three crucial points in Group I, where they are seeded second behind Mali. The victory marked Ghana's first step in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

Other African World Cup Qualifier Results


  • Ivory Coast dominated Seychelles with a resounding 9-0 victory in Abidjan. Premier League players Ibrahim Sangare, Simon Adringa, and Hamed Traore all contributed to the Ivorian goal fest.

  • Mali secured a 3-1 win over Chad in Group I, with goals from Kamory Doumbia, Youssoufou Niakate, and Ibrahima Sissoko.

  • Zambia came from behind to beat Congo 4-2, with Leicester City striker Patson Daka scoring twice.

  • Tunisia had a comfortable 4-0 win against Sao Tome e Principe in Group H, with veteran forward Youssef Msakni among the goal scorers.

  • Guinea clinched a 2-1 home win over Uganda in Group G, with Seydouba Cisse netting the decisive goal in injury time.

  • Libya started their Group D campaign with a 1-0 away win against Eswatini.

  • Comoros beat Central African Republic 4-2 in Group I.

  • Malawi opened their Group H campaign with a 1-0 win away against Liberia.

  • Burkina Faso came from behind to draw 1-1 with Guinea Bissau in their first Group A fixture.

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue with additional fixtures on Saturday, featuring teams such as Senegal, South Africa, Benin, Niger, and Tanzania.