Fresh off emphatic victories in their respective matchday five encounters, Madagascar and Ghana will square off in a top-of-the-table qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup at Mimoun Al Arsi Stadium in neutral Morocco on Monday
The Barea head into this fixture after thrashing Central African Republic 4-1, while the Black Stars dismantled Chad 5-0 in their last outing.
Match preview
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What turned into a dominant display did not begin in the best fashion for Madagascar, as Hugo Gambor fired the Central Africans ahead just nine minutes in, but Rayan Raveloson's quickfire brace in the 17th and 22nd minutes turned the game on its head before Arnaud Randrianantenaina and Lalaina completed the rout in the second half to secure maximum points in Corentin Martins's first match in charge.
The recently appointed manager had stated before the encounter that many viewed his team's World Cup ambitions as far-fetched, but the challenge itself has fuelled his motivation, and indeed the Barea certainly backed up his belief with their commanding performance.
Martins's side have now climbed a spot higher in Group I, sitting second with 10 points from three wins, one draw and a defeat, two points behind this weekend's opponent at the summit.
Madagascar's impressive qualification campaign has been built on defensive solidity, conceding only three times – the fewest of any side in the group – while their nine goals scored rank second, a balance they hope will prove decisive as they seek to leapfrog Ghana on Monday.
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Like the Barea, Otto Addo's men also experienced an upward trajectory following their emphatic win, seizing top spot from Comoros, who suffered defeat to Mali.
That result also ended the Black Stars's winless run of eight competitive matches, a streak that included a dismal Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and an underwhelming showing in the CHAN preliminaries.
Ghana finished bottom of Group F with just three draws from their six AFCON qualifiers, meaning they will not feature at the tournament in Morocco, while their African Nations Championship hopes also ended in disappointment following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Nigeria, making their current push for a World Cup ticket all the more significant.
While Madagascar have built their success in the competition on defensive resilience, the West Africans also pose a major attacking threat, having netted 12 goals in the qualifiers – more than any other side in the group.
Ghana have further reason for optimism heading into Monday's clash, having edged the Barea 1-0 in the reverse fixture – a result they will look to replicate as they aim to tighten their grip at the top of the standings.
Team News
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Having come through their match against Central Africa unscathed, head coach Martins is likely to stick with the same lineup that powered Madagascar to that emphatic victory.
However, Lalaina is pushing for a starting role in midfield after making a significant impact from the bench.
Raveloson will be the one to watch, with his brace in the last outing taking his tally to four in the qualifiers, and he will be eager to add to his growing haul.
Like the hosts, Ghana emerged from their previous fixture without any injury setbacks, making a repeat of their victorious lineup a strong possibility.
In that game, Addo deployed a 4-3-3 system, with Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew leading the attack, and the trio will be keen to maintain their scoring form, having all found the net.
As a result, Ayew has taken his tally to five in the qualifiers, putting him just one behind Egypt's Mohamed Salah, the current top scorer.
Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Dupire; Morgan, Fontaine, Marcelin, Rabemanantsoa; Lapoussin, Couturier, Ilaimaharitra, Raveloson, Randriananten; Caddy
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Asare; Schindler, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Kudus, Partey, Nuamah; Ayew, Semenyo, Williams
We say: Madagascar 1-1 Ghana
Considering the strength of their previous opponents, Madagascar had the tougher test, and while their statement win boosts confidence, the lack of full home support at a neutral venue could hold them back from taking maximum points, making a draw the likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
