World Cup Qualifiers: Madagascar Defeat Chad to Blow Group I Wide Open, Ghana on Edge

• Barea of Madagascar defeated Chad 3-1 to draw level on points with Ghana in CAF FIFA World Cup qualifying Group I
• Otto Addo's Black Stars of Ghana must beat Mali at home or risk Group I chaos with just three matchdays left
• With the top three separated by a single point, every goal, save, and result could decide World Cup 2026 qualification

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The race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a dramatic twist in CAF Group I after Madagascar defeated Chad 3-1 on Monday, September 8, to move level on points with leaders Ghana.

With just three matchdays left, the group is delicately poised, setting the stage for a tense finale, with the quartet of Ghana, Madagascar, Comoros, and Mali all eyeing a place at next year's historic tournament.

According to FIFA, Ghana still sit top of the group with 16 points from seven games, but Madagascar’s victory has seen them draw level on 16 points after eight fixtures.

The Black Stars now face added pressure ahead of their own match against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8 (7 PM GMT).

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For Otto Addo’s side, nothing less than victory will do. A win over Mali would restore daylight between Ghana and their closest challengers, while anything less could throw Group I completely open heading into the last round of games.

Despite the nerves, Ghana can draw confidence from their superior head-to-head record against Madagascar. Earlier in the campaign, the Black Stars edged them 1-0 in Kumasi, before putting in a commanding performance to win 3-0 away in Morocco. That advantage could prove decisive if the group comes down to tiebreakers.

However, the Black Stars will know that relying on past records is risky. Madagascar have shown resilience and belief throughout the campaign, and their latest result against Chad underlines their growing threat.

The permutations are thrilling for neutrals but nerve-shredding for fans. As it stands:

1st: Ghana – 16 points (7 games)

2nd: Madagascar – 16 points (8 games)

3rd: Comoros – 15 points (7 games)

4th: Mali – 12 points (7 games)

With just a single point separating the top three, and Mali still mathematically in contention, every goal, every save, and every point could prove decisive in determining who books a ticket to North America in 2026.

Monday night’s clash against Mali is therefore more than just another qualifier. It is a must-win encounter for Ghana if they are to stay in control of their own destiny.

Backed by their passionate home fans in Accra and inspired by skipper Jordan Ayew and the returning Thomas Partey, the Black Stars must rise to the occasion.

Ghana starting lineup vs. Mali

YEN.com.gh earlier reported the official Ghana starting lineup for their huge World Cup qualifier encounter against Mali.

The big news is the return of Villareal midfielder Thomas Partey as Otto Addo hands Real Ovideo player Kwasi Sibo his maiden Ghana international debut.

Source: YEN.com.gh