Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026 has been confirmed after Mohammed Kudus scored the only goal in their final qualifier against Comoros. The victory in Accra secured 25 points from 10 Group I matches, leaving Ghana six points ahead of Madagascar. Madagascar needed a win in Mali to stay in contention, but they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat in Bamako, ending their hopes of topping the group.
Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus scored the decisive goal shortly after halftime, tapping in Thomas Partey’s cross from close range. This marked Kudus’ second goal of the qualifying campaign and ensured Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026 status. With this qualification, Ghana became the first African team outside North Africa to reach next year’s finals. Algeria, Egypt, Morocco (who reached the semi-finals in 2022), and Tunisia had already booked their spots.
After a slow first half in Accra, where Ghana struggled to test the Comoros goalkeeper despite scoring 22 goals in their previous nine qualifiers, Kudus’ strike finally broke the deadlock. The win also gives Otto Addo’s team some redemption after failing to qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Interestingly, Comoros, who had previously caused Ghana major headaches, will now open the upcoming Nations Cup against hosts Morocco on December 21.
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Key Moments and Other African Qualification Updates – Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026
Going into the match, Ghana only needed a point to secure qualification. Their chances were strong because even if they lost at home, Madagascar would have needed to win in Mali and overcome a significant goal difference of -8. However, Ghana’s win confirmed them as Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026, showing their strength in African football.
Comoros had beaten Ghana in their last two encounters, including a famous 1-0 victory at home and eliminating the Black Stars from the 2022 Nations Cup. They had one of the best chances in the first half when Benjaloud Youssouf headed the ball wide from close range. Despite this scare, Ghana maintained control, and with the home crowd behind them, they ensured a smooth path to the World Cup. This important milestone officially recognized Ghana as Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026.
Even with attacking talents like Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has six goals in seven Premier League games this season, and Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew, who scored seven goals in qualifying, Ghana struggled to dominate in attack. Nonetheless, the team’s victory made them the confirmed Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026.
Ghana fans were relieved when Mali completed a 4-1 victory over Madagascar, with Lassine Sinayoko scoring twice and Nene Dorgeles and Gaoussou Diarra adding one each. Madagascar’s defeat means they cannot qualify even as one of the best four runners-up across Africa. This result also officially cemented Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026 in history.
Elsewhere on the continent, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, who had already secured a World Cup spot, maintained an unbeaten record in Group A with a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in Cairo. Left-back Mohamed Hamdy scored early in the match to seal the victory. Egypt had earlier qualified with a 3-0 win against Djibouti.
Other African teams are still fighting for play-off positions. Burkina Faso secured a 2-1 home win over Ethiopia, with Pierre Landy Kabore scoring both goals. Niger ended their Group E campaign with a 1-0 victory in Zambia, keeping their hopes alive. Both Burkina Faso and Niger will have to wait until all group matches are completed to know if they advance to the African play-offs.
Four of Africa’s nine World Cup spots for the North and Central America tournament are still undecided. Cape Verde could make history by qualifying for the first time if they beat Eswatini at home on Monday.
With this historic win, Ghana fans can proudly celebrate Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026 status. Their qualification proves that African teams outside North Africa can compete at the highest level. As the remaining group matches play out, fans will be watching closely to see which other nations will secure their place in the 2026 World Cup. By reaching this milestone, Otto Addo’s team has shown why they are the confirmed Ghana 5th African Qualifier 2026, a feat that will inspire the next generation of Ghanaian footballers.
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source: BBC Sports
