The Black Stars will face Madagascar on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Mimoun Al Arsi Stadium in Morocco as they fight for an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.

With a history of competitive encounters, this fixture promises excitement as fans anticipate key performances, tactical battles, and potential shifts in the qualification race.

Here’s a look at the head-to-head records, current group standings, team news, and everything you need to know ahead of the game:

Head-to-Head records

This will be the fourth time the two nations meet competitively, with the Black Stars picking up two wins and drawing one. The Black Stars’ last win against Madagascar came in November 2023.

Inaki Williams scored the only goal of the game, propelling the Black Stars to victory and marking their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In June 2022, the Black Stars recorded their biggest win against Madagascar with a 3-0 victory during the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. In the return fixture, Madagascar held Ghana to a 0-0 draw, earning their first-ever point against Ghana.

In their three previous encounters, Madagascar has yet to find the back of the net against the Black Stars, while Ghana has dominated with four goals to their name.

Group standings

The Black Stars’ crucial win against Chad moved them to the top of the standings with 12 points, two ahead of Madagascar, who have amassed 10 points.

Comoros rank third with 9 points, followed by Mali and the Central African Republic, who have 8 and 4 points respectively. Chad sits at the bottom with no points after five games.

The round of matches could bring significant shifts in the standings, as teams battle for crucial points. A Madagascar win against Ghana would put Madagascar at the top of the standings, while a win for Ghana coupled with a win for Comoros would see Madagascar drop to third place.

Meanwhile, Mali stands a chance of moving to third place with a win against the Central African Republic.

Team news

Ghana

With both teams coming off impressive victories and securing valuable points, few changes are expected, as the saying goes: "Never change a winning team."

Ghana could field the same squad that thrashed Chad on Friday, March 21, 2025, with Benjamin Asare likely to retain his spot and Salisu Mohammed and Alexander Djiku partnering at the back.

However, with Ghana playing away, Otto Addo may opt for a double pivot rather than relying solely on Thomas Partey to shield the defence.

In attack, all the forwards who made an impact against Chad could keep their places against Madagascar.

Madagascar

Corentin Martins will aim to shut down the Black Stars’ formidable attack and may stick to his 4-5-1 formation.

Geordan Dupire’s magnificent display against the Central African Republic (CAR), where he made three crucial saves, will likely earn him a place in goal.

Veteran Thomas Fontaine and Jean Marcelin’s successful partnership at the back could again feature against Ghana.

Their five-man midfield will likely include Arnaud Randrianantenaina, who scored against CAR, and Rayan Raveloson, who assisted twice in the game.

Warren Caddy’s solid performance against CAR, where the Lausanne Ouchy forward contributed two assists, should secure him a place in the lineup.

Both Otto Addo and Corentin Martins will be hoping for crucial points to cement their place at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, watch Lawrence Agyekum's mum expresses her excitement after her son's Black Stars debut



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