2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Comoros Dominate CAR, Challenge Ghana in Group I

• Ghana’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has grown more uncertain following Comoros’ win over the Central African Republic
• The island nation’s triumph has significantly reduced Ghana’s cushion in Group I, making a win against Mali crucial
• Tom Saintfiet’s Mali side boasts an impressive record, having gone eight matches without conceding a goal

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Comoros tightened the race in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after defeating the Central African Republic 2-0 on Sunday, September 7.

The result leaves them just a single point behind Ghana at the top of the table, although they have played one game more.

Comoros beat CAR to close gap on Ghana

The visitors took control early in Meknes, Morocco, with veteran forward Youssouf M’Changama, 35, breaking the deadlock after 20 minutes, showing composure to slot home and set the tone for the night.

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Nineteen minutes later, Al-Kholood striker Myziane Maolida doubled the advantage with a clinical finish, ensuring the Coelacanths carried a comfortable lead into the break, as noted by FIFA.com.

From there, the islanders managed the game with maturity, holding firm until the final whistle to secure all three points.

The win pushes Comoros to 15 points from eight matches, breathing new life into their dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance.

Ghana vs Mali looms as group decider

While Comoros celebrated, the result has added pressure on Ghana, which remains on top with 16 points but now sees its cushion reduced to just one.

According to CAF Online, Madagascar are not far behind on 13 points from seven outings, and Mali sit on 12 with the same number of games played.

See the current standings of Group I:

The Central African Republic, meanwhile, are fifth with five points, while Chad sits bottom on one.

With only group winners sealing automatic tickets to next year's global showpiece and the four best second-placed sides moving into the African play-offs, every match in the final stretch is poised to be decisive.

Attention now turns to Monday’s fixtures, where Ghana host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium and Madagascar entertains Chad at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Insight into Ghana vs Mali clash:

For Otto Addo’s men, victory against the Eagles is vital to restore breathing space at the summit.

The history between Ghana and Mali suggests another tense battle. According to 11v11, the two West African rivals have met 25 times.

The Black Stars hold 12 wins, Mali boasts six, and seven games have ended level.

More recently, in their last 15 encounters across all competitions, Ghana have edged it with six victories, while Mali have managed five, with four draws.

With so much at stake, Monday’s clash in Accra could go a long way in shaping the group’s outcome.

The 4 players who could threaten Ghana's World Cup chances

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted four Malian players who could threaten Ghana’s World Cup ambitions.

Despite the absence of Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma, coach Tom Saintfiet still commands a strong squad, with talents like Kamory Doumbia and Dorgeles Nene ready to step up.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh