The deputy captain of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, Thomas Teye Partey, inspired the team to a crucial away win over Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Matchday 6 fixture in Africa’s qualifying stage saw Ghana record a 3-0 victory on Monday night.
Played at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco as a home fixture for Madagascar, the Arsenal midfielder scored twice to help the Black Stars secure an all-important win.
Madagascar was always going to provide a tough test for Ghana, but the away side exploited their quality and opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Partey with an assist from Jordan Ayew.
Ghana failed to increase their tally despite having five shots on target out of seven attempts, ending the first half 1-0.
In the second half, Jordan Ayew once again became the provider for Partey through a corner kick, allowing him to slot home the second goal via a header in the 54th minute.
Four minutes later, captain Jordan Ayew conjured another moment of magic with a superb through ball in the 59th minute for Mohammed Kudus to seal the victory.
Madagascar threw men forward for a consolation, but Ghana’s defensive line was too solid to concede.
Coach Otto Addo’s side has now won two consecutive matches for the first time following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
With four matches remaining in the qualifying phase, Ghana tops it group with 5 points clear – 15 points after six matches, while Madagascar sits second with 10 points.
Black Stars play its next match away to Chad in September 2025 for the Matchday 7 fixture.
