By Nana Kwame Bediako
Ghana welcomed Madagascar to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on their charge to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The Black Stars were poised before the game after some growing team spirit within the camp.
The Black Stars started the game on a shaky note as they allowed Madagascar to take firm of the midfield by controlling the tempo and delivering passes into the box to put some pressure on Richard Ofori and his defense.
A commanding save from goalkeeper Richard Ofori denied the Barea of Madagascar from taking the lead after he pushed a long-range shot over the bar. In a nutshell, Richard Ofori was the busiest of the two goalkeepers in the first half.
The second half took a replicate of the first half, as the Black Stars started the half on a slow note but gradually captured some momentum to build some confidence moving forward.
Their perseverance got them a goal but it was eventually ruled out for offside when Inaki got the ball in the net. Inaki at some thought he finally got his first goal for Ghana.
Madagascar themselves also crawled back to go toe to toe with the Black Stars where they saw their efforts denied by the goal post. Goalkeeper Adrien from Madagascar also did his part by keeping his side in the game when he denied numerous efforts mounted on him.
When all hope seemed lost, Inaki Williams stepped in to rescue the Black Stars by capitalising on a cross from Gideon Mensah.
His first goal for the national team handed the Black Stars all three points to secure a 1:0 win at the 96th minute.
