Nothing will stop us: Kudus, Semenyo fire World Cup warning
Ghana’s World Cup dream is burning bright again and the Black Stars’ key men are in irresistible form, sending a powerful statement of intent before the crucial double-header that could seal Ghana’s fifth World Cup ticket.
On Wednesday, Otto Addo’s men face the Central African Republic (CAR) in Meknès, Morocco, before hosting Comoros in Accra on October 12 — a match that carries shades of revenge after the islanders handed Ghana their only defeat in the qualifiers so far.
With a three-point lead over second-placed Madagascar in Group I, victory over fifth-placed CAR would be enough to confirm qualification to the USA/Canada/Mexico 2026 World Cup — and Ghana’s top performers seem to be peaking at the perfect moment at club level and with a clear message that nothing will stand in their way and qualification for the World Cup in North America.
Semenyo, Kudus lead charge
Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus have been in irresistible form in England, lighting up the Premier League with commanding performances that have set the tone ahead of national duty.
Semenyo was awesome last Friday night, scoring twice and setting up another goal in Bournemouth’s dramatic 3–1 comeback win over Fulham. The 25-year-old forward has been one of the English Premier League’s standout performers this season — six goals and three assists in his first seven games.
His latest brace took his career Premier League tally to 26 goals in 88 matches and as the Black Stars assembled in Morocco yesterday, Ghanaians expect that Semenyo will replicate this red-hot club form for the national team, having managed only three goals in 29 appearances.
Kudus, meanwhile, has rediscovered his spark in emphatic fashion. The Tottenham Hotspur playmaker finally opened his Premier League goal account — and in style — scoring the decisive strike in a 2-1 win over Leeds United after also creating the opener.
It took his direct goal involvement for Spurs to five since his £63 million switch from West Ham, underlining why he remains the heartbeat of Otto Addo’s midfield in the upcoming qualifiers against CAR and Comoros.
And ahead of the CAR clash, Kudus is brimming with belief and ambition.
“The 2010 World Cup, we went all the way to the quarterfinals,” he reflected. “I believe this squad can do even more — but first, we must qualify. We’re on the right path and must get it done at all costs.”
Comebacks
Another man whose resurgence adds firepower to Ghana’s attack is Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. The 20-year-old has returned from a career-threatening ACL injury in sensational form, netting three goals and an assist in the Championship this season.
Playing alongside Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew, Issahaku has injected creativity and directness into Leicester’s promotion push — a comeback story that has inspired his teammates.
“It’s always a good feeling to see your friend come back stronger,” said Rennes and Black Stars defender, Alidu Seidu, who is also back in Otto Addo’s squad after his year-long injury. “It’s always good to see your friend come back stronger,” Seidu told Flashscore.com. “We’re all proud to see Fatawu shining again.”
Qualification within reach
Ghana sit three points clear atop Group I and victory over CAR at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes will mathematically seal their qualification for the 2026 World Cup — even before the revenge showdown in Accra with Comoros, the only side to have beaten the Black Stars in this campaign.
Coach Otto Addo’s 24-man squad includes two home-based players: Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who retains the No.1 jersey and Medeama striker Prince Owusu, who earns a maiden call-up.
The Ghanaian gaffer has kept faith with the core of the team that defeated Mali 1-0 in Accra to come within touching distance of securing the qualification ticket. Skipper Ayew, midfield enforcer Thomas Partey, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Kwasi Sibo, Joseph Paintsil and Kamaldeen Sulemana are all brimming with confidence in their Morocco camp, determined to win to maintain momentum in the qualifying series.
However, there is uncertainty over the fitness of Spain-based forward Iñaki Williams, who scored for Athletic Bilbao in their 2-1 win over RCD Mallorca but limped off the field with an injury last Saturday.
Ghana’s journey through the qualifiers has been more workmanlike than dazzling, yet the Black Stars have consistently found resilience when it mattered most. Come-from-behind heroics against Madagascar and a hard-fought victory over Chad have kept their World Cup dream alive — and now, just 90 crucial minutes separate them from booking another ticket to football’s grandest stage and reaffirming their status among Africa’s elite.
