Madagascar and Ghana will battle for supremacy in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they clash at the Mimoun Al Arsi Stadium in Morocco on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Both teams enter the fixture on the back of commanding victories—Madagascar defeated Central African Republic 4-1, while Ghana cruised past Chad with a 5-0 triumph.
With Ghana leading the group with 12 points and Madagascar sitting just two points behind in second place, this match could have a major impact on the race for automatic qualification.
Match Preview
Madagascar’s victory over Central African Republic started in shaky fashion when they conceded an early goal, but a quickfire brace from Rayan Raveloson, followed by second-half strikes from Arnaud Randrianantenaina and Lalaina, sealed a comfortable win in Corentin Martins’ first match in charge.
The new coach acknowledged before the match that many had dismissed Madagascar’s World Cup hopes, but their latest performance proved their ambition.
Martins’ side now boasts the best defensive record in Group I, having conceded just three goals, while their nine goals scored make them the second-highest-scoring team. They will be aiming to build on this balance as they attempt to overtake Ghana at the top of the table.
Ghana, meanwhile, moved into first place following their emphatic win over Chad and a surprise 3-0 loss for Comoros against Mali. Otto Addo’s men ended an eight-game winless streak in competitive matches, a run that included a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and failure to reach the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Black Stars have been the most prolific side in the group, scoring 12 goals so far, and will be confident of maintaining their lead at the summit. They will also take encouragement from their 1-0 win over Madagascar in the reverse fixture and will look to replicate that success in Monday’s showdown.
Team News & Expected Lineups
Madagascar emerged from their match against Central African Republic without any injuries, meaning coach Martins is likely to stick with the same starting XI. However, midfielder Lalaina, who made a significant impact from the bench, could push for a place in the lineup.
Rayan Raveloson, who has now scored four goals in the qualifiers, remains their key attacking threat.
Madagascar’s possible starting lineup:
Dupire; Morgan, Fontaine, Marcelin, Rabemanantsoa; Lapoussin, Couturier, Ilaimaharitra, Raveloson, Randriananten; Caddy
Ghana also avoided injuries in their last match, making an unchanged lineup a strong possibility. Otto Addo deployed a 4-3-3 formation against Chad, with Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams leading the attack. All three got on the scoresheet and will be eager to continue their fine form.
Jordan Ayew, who netted against Chad, has now scored five goals in the qualifiers, putting him just one goal behind Egypt’s Mohamed Salah in the top-scorer race.
Ghana’s possible starting lineup:
Asare; Schindler, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Kudus, Partey, Nuamah; Ayew, Semenyo, Williams
Prediction: Madagascar 1-2 Ghana
Madagascar’s recent win was impressive, but playing at a neutral venue in Morocco could affect their ability to fully capitalize on their momentum. Ghana, on the other hand, boasts the best attack in the group but will face a tough challenge against the best defensive side. With both teams eager to pick points in such a crucial match, a slim win for Ghana seems the most likely outcome.
Kickoff Time: 19:00 GMT (7:00 pm)
TV Channels
The match will be telecasted live on DSTV, GoTV, SuperSport, BeinSport
What’s Next for Ghana?
Ghana’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continues with a packed schedule in Group I. The Black Stars face a crucial away fixture against Chad on September 1, 2025, followed by a high-stakes home clash against Mali on September 8, 2025. These matches are pivotal for Ghana, who are battling to secure a top spot in their group and advance toward World Cup qualification.
So far, Ghana has shown resilience in the campaign, with a mix of gritty wins and hard-fought draws, though they’ve faced setbacks that have kept them from dominating Group I. Their current standing places them in a tight race, where every point matters. The matchup against Chad, a side known for defensive solidity, will test Ghana’s attacking depth, while the Mali game at home offers a chance to leverage fan support and capitalize on their flair. Strong performances in these fixtures could propel Ghana to the top of Group I, boosting their momentum as the qualifiers progress.
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