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A stoppage time goal by Inaki Williams secured a 1-0 win for Ghana over Madagascar in their opening Group I match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Friday.
Inaki applied a glancing header to an inch perfect cross by Gideon Mensah in the sixth minute of stoppage time to cap off a spirited second half performance by the Stars.
Inaki celebrates his first Ghana goal in 11 matches
Madagascar dominated the opening exchanges but failed to make their dominace count early on. As the first half progressed, the visitors took absolute control of the game and created more opportunities.
Despite having 57% of ball possession, the Malagasy could not find a way past Ghana keeper Richard Ofori, who pulled off two good saves to keep the score goalless in the first half.
Back from recess, Ghana coach Chris Hughton substituted Denis Odoi for Seidu Alidu and Ashimeru Majeed for Baba Iddrisu.
The latter’s introduction injected a sense of urgency and control in Ghana’s game, as the Stars dominated the second half.
Early in the half, Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus both went close but were stopped by Melvin Adrien.
Two minutes before the hour mark, Inaki Williams thought he had scored but he was flagged offside.
Shortly after that, an injury forced center back Daniel Amartey off and he was replaced by Kasim Adams.
On the 63rd minute, there was a brief scare for Ghana when Madagascar went close, only for Nicholas Opoku to clear the ball off the line.
Twelve minutes later, Ernest Nuamah, who came on for Antoine Semenyo, found Inaki Williams in the box but the Athletic Bilbao forward could not score with his acrobatic effort.
With twelve minutes remaining on the clock, Chris Hughton sent on Osman Bukari for Jordan Ayew in a desperate bid to find the opener.
A minute later, Mohammed Kudus went close but his snap shot was palmed over the bar by the impressive Adrien.
When all seemed lost, Inaki Williams rose highest to head home Gideon Mensah’s cross in stoppage time.
The goal ensured Ghana extended their unbeaten run under Chris Hughton to eight competitive matches.
Earlier on Friday, Comoros beat the Central African Republic 4-2 in the groups other match.
The Black Stars are now unbeaten in 25 consecutive matches at the Baba Yara Stadium.
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