Inaki Williams’ stoppage-minute header earned the Black Stars a hard-fought victory in the first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Kumasi.
Here, Sportsworldghana reveals the ratings of the Ghana players.
4-3-3
Richard Ofori: The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet and was lucky not to concede in the second half when Madagascar hit the woodwork from a header. 6
Alidu Seidu The right-back was substituted in the 46th minute after a dull first half. He did not play to his usual standard for the Black Stars. 4.5
Gideon Mensah: his pinpoint cross in the stoppage time was brilliantly connected by Inaki Williams for the winner. 6
Nicholas Opoku: the towering centre-back had a superb game compared to the games against Mexico and the USA. 6
Daniel Amartey: the centre-back was replaced in the 62nd minute by Kasim Adams due to injury. His leadership at the back was good. 5
Iddrisu Mohammed Baba: Baba’s partnership alongside Salis was not clicking in the first half hence he was substituted before the second half commenced. 4.5
Abdul Salis Samed: the lens midfielder covered enough ground as expected. He came into the games when Ashimeru replaced Baba. 6
Mohammed Kudus: the playmaker was lively and went close in the 83rd minute but the goalkeeper made a crucial save. 7
Jordan Ayew: started on the left wing as one of the playmakers to create chances. Jordan was replaced by Osman in the 82nd minute. 5.5
Inaki Williams: the scorer of the all-important goal for Ghana. He met Gideon Mensah’s cross in the 96th minute to head the ball past the goalkeeper for his first-ever goal for Ghana. 7.5
Antoine Semenyo: Semenyo was replaced by Nuamah with 17 minutes to play with the Bournemouth striker rarely troubling the opponents. 5
Substitutes:
Denis Odoi: the professor replaced Alidu Seidu in the 46th minute and did pretty well on the right-hand side. 5.5
Kasim Adams: the centre-back replaced Amartey midway in the second half. 5.5
Ashimeru: he certainly changed the game for the Black Stars after replacing Baba Iddris in the 46th minute. His ball progression was what the team was lacking and his introduction proved to be the best as he charged into the box in the 79th minute, and took a shot but the keeper pulled a wonderful save. 7.5
Osman Bukari: Bukari enjoyed 14 minutes of action and much was not seen from the pacey winger. 5
Ernest Nuamah: the teenager showed glimpses with his pace and tricks as he tormented the left-hand side of Madagascar’s defence. 6
Coach: Chris Houghton’s changes were perfect as the introduction of Ashimeru, Nuamah and Odoi was fantastic. 6
