Sports News of Monday, 24 March 2025

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

2026 World Cup Qualifier: Ghana ready for tricky Madagascar game today

Black Stars are leading Group I with 12 points Black Stars are leading Group I with 12 points

Ghana’s Black Stars are set to face Madagascar in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier as they continue their quest for a spot at the global showpiece.

Fresh off an emphatic victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, the four-time African champions departed Ghana for Morocco, where tonight’s match will take place.

The team wrapped up their final training session on Sunday night at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium, fine-tuning their preparations ahead of the decisive encounter.

Head coach Otto Addo and his squad are brimming with confidence, eager to maintain their momentum against the Barea.

After a disappointing run in 2024, the Black Stars are determined to rewrite their story and secure a fifth World Cup appearance, with the tournament set to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.

Speaking ahead of the match, Otto Addo urged his players to stay focused, acknowledging the tough challenge ahead.

"I think the most important thing is that I know everybody's excited; everybody was happy about our last win, but we still have a long way to go and we need everyone to be on their toes," the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach told the GFA media.

"We don't need 98 percent; we don't need 99 percent; we need 100 percent. This is like a small final, and if we win this game, then we are really going to qualify, but it's going to be very, very tough.

"We observed the Madagascar team, and they have done really, really well, especially in the last game, so they are in good form and it's going to be a tough game," the 49-year-old added.

Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT.

With the victory over Chad, Ghana now sit atop Group I with 12 points. A win against Madagascar would further solidify their place at the summit and bring them closer to their World Cup dream.