Kudus strike sends Ghana marching to 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars booked their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium — a result that sent the capital into a frenzy of flag-waving celebrations deep into the night.
At the sound of the final whistle, the capacity stadium erupted into a carnival of joy. Players draped in Ghana flags danced across the pitch, joined by jubilant officials from the Ghana Football Association, all proudly sporting white shirts emblazoned with Qualified.
The chant of “USA! USA! USA!” rang out from the stands, echoing the excitement of a nation heading to its fifth World Cup finals.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who barely had a save to make all night, stole a light-hearted moment by removing his jersey — featuring Dancehall icon Shatta Wale’s image — and gesturing “SM 4 Life” to the fans in the Black Star Square stand, triggering a roar of delight from the crowd.
For Ghana, this qualification carries deeper meaning. It is a return to the global stage under Coach Otto Addo, whose tactical nous and resilience have steered the team through a near-flawless campaign — seven wins and a draw from eight games — to emerge as Group I leaders.
The result in Accra, coupled with Mali’s 4-1 demolition of Madagascar in Bamako, sealed top spot and automatic qualification for the Black Stars.
It was poetic justice for Addo’s men, who avenged their only defeat of the qualifiers — a painful loss to Comoros last year. Despite knowing they needed just a point, the Black Stars showed intent and professionalism throughout, determined to finish the job in style.
After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came in the 53rd minute through Ghana’s talisman, Mohammed Kudus.
The West Ham playmaker, at the heart of everything creative, was perfectly placed to tap in Jonathan Adjetey’s low cross after a flowing team move that sliced through the Comoros defence.
As the ball hit the net, the stadium exploded — fireworks, flares, and waves of red, gold, and green banners lit up the stands as chants of “Kudus! Kudus!” filled the humid Accra air.
Earlier, Comoros had threatened briefly in the third minute when Youssouf Changama’s cross found Solamani Faiz, who headed narrowly wide.
But that was as close as they came. Ghana soon took command with Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Kwasi Sibo orchestrating play in midfield.
Captain Jordan Ayew came close to opening the scoring before the break, dazzling the crowd with a mazy run past three defenders only for his delicate chip to roll agonisingly across goal.
Second half
By the second half, it was one-way traffic. Ghana’s slick passing, composure, and relentless pressing had the visitors chasing shadows. Otto Addo’s men controlled the tempo, content to toy with the opposition as the clock ticked towards full-time and confirmation of another World Cup adventure — this time across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
With qualification assured, Otto Addo handed debuts to England-based striker Brandon Thomas-Asante and youngster Kwadwo Oppong Peprah, giving fans a glimpse of Ghana’s future. Kudus, the match-winner, left to a standing ovation with 15 minutes to play — his name chanted as if he had just delivered a golden ticket.
The final whistle triggered bedlam. Fans sang, danced, and hugged strangers. Horns blared through the streets of Accra as thousands poured into Independence Avenue and Osu to celebrate. The sense of relief and redemption was palpable.
For Otto Addo, this was personal vindication. The 50-year-old came under fire after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON — their first absence in two decades — but has now cemented his legacy as the first coach to lead the Black Stars to back-to-back World Cups.
Having also represented Ghana as a player at the 2006 finals, Otto Addo joins an elite club of men to have both played and managed their nation at football’s greatest show.
Three years ago, he was the emergency saviour who masterminded Ghana’s tense playoff win over Nigeria to reach Qatar 2022. Now, he is the architect of a more confident, united team heading to North America with renewed belief.
