Mohammed Kudus was the hero as Ghana edged Comoros 1–0 in Accra on Sunday to top Group I and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — joining Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia as Africa’s confirmed representatives.
Backed by a vibrant 40,000-strong crowd, the Black Stars dominated first-half possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Comoros side. Despite their control, Ghana’s attacks lacked urgency and creativity, allowing goalkeeper Adel Anzimati-Aboudou a relatively quiet opening period.
That changed just two minutes after the restart. Tottenham midfielder Kudus pounced from close range in the 47th minute after Comoros failed to clear their lines during a goalmouth scramble, tapping home the decisive goal from six yards out.
The victory carried extra significance for Ghana, who were seeking revenge after Comoros stunned them at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and again in the World Cup qualifiers two years later.
Ghana finished top of Group I with 25 points from 10 matches, while Madagascar came second with 19 points despite suffering a 4–1 defeat to third-placed Mali in Bamako.
This marks Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, with their best performance coming in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa before losing to Uruguay on penalties.
Qualification for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, also vindicated the faith of the Ghana Football Association in coach Otto Addo. The German-born tactician had faced intense pressure last year after a disastrous 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, in which Ghana failed to win a single match and finished bottom of their group behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger.
Meanwhile, the remaining four automatic African slots will be decided on Monday and Tuesday, with Benin, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, and Senegal currently leading their respective groups.
Egypt Win Without Salah
Egypt, already qualified, rested Mohamed Salah for their final Group A fixture against Guinea-Bissau but still secured a 1–0 win in Cairo thanks to an early strike from Mohamed Hamdy.
Elsewhere, Niger stunned Zambia 1–0 in Ndola to finish second in Group E behind Morocco, and currently sit third in the mini-league of group runners-up — behind Gabon and Burkina Faso.
The four best second-placed teams after Tuesday’s final qualifiers will advance to play-offs in Morocco this November. The winner of that mini-tournament will join an intercontinental play-off in March 2026, where two World Cup spots will be up for grabs.
Niger striker Daniel Sosah scored for the third consecutive qualifier, netting in the 56th minute after Zambia goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga spilled a shot from Victorien Adebayor.
Super Eagles Arrive Safely After Mid-Air Scare
Meanwhile, the Nigerian national team, coaches, and officials safely arrived in Uyo on Sunday following a mid-air technical scare on their return flight from South Africa after Friday’s 2–1 win over Lesotho.
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, the ValueJet aircraft carrying the squad made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, due to a cracked windscreen. A replacement plane was later dispatched, allowing the team to complete their journey safely.
Nigeria, pre-tournament favourites in Group C, currently sit third — three points behind Benin and one behind South Africa. However, the Super Eagles can still top the group if they defeat leaders Benin in Uyo and South Africa fail to win against Rwanda at home.
Dupuis Suspended After South Sudan’s Heavy Defeat
In other news, South Sudan coach Nicolas Dupuis has reportedly been suspended for 15 days and ordered to stay away from the team following a 5–0 home defeat to Group B leaders Senegal on Friday.
The 57-year-old Frenchman famously guided Madagascar to a shock win over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where the island nation reached the quarter-finals in their tournament debut.
