Inaki Williams 1st Black Stars goal gives Ghana hope for 5th World Cup & releases tension on underfire Chris Hughton
Ghana began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a significant victory over Madagascar, led by Inaki Williams.
Ghana to 1-0 Inaki Williams’ goal gives the Black Stars a good start in the WC qualifying match in Madagascar.
At the Baba Yara Stadium, the Black Stars defeated their opponents 1-0 thanks to a header from the striker for Athletic Bilbao.
Although they struggled for extended periods, Chris Hughton’s team eventually prevailed despite being frustrated by Madagascar for the whole of the match.
Unexpectedly, Richard Ofori was selected ahead of Lawrence Ati Zigi, Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2022 World Cup, to return to the starting lineup.
Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Daniel Amartey, and Nicholas Opoku made up the back four, whilst Baba Iddrisu and Abdul Salis Samed played in the midfield.
Starting on the left side, Jordan Ayew was followed by Inaki Williams on the right, and Mohammed Kudus supported Antoine Semenyo up top.
Rakotoharimala’s attempt at goal in the first two minutes of play went out for a corner, giving Madagascar the early advantage that startled the Black Stars.
Against the run of play, Rakotoharimala came close to giving Madagascar the lead when he was left unmarked in the area, but his header hit the post.
Together, Kudus and Nuamah created a fantastic opportunity, but Kudus’s shot was stopped just before it painfully went out of play.
Williams made headlines with a last-minute header that handed the Black Stars all three points as the game was headed for a draw.
WATCH THE GOAL BELOW:
