Comoros remain top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers thanks to a stunning 1-0 win over the Black Stars of Ghana in Moroni on Tuesday night.
Jordan Ayew and the captain of Ghana, Andre Ayew, returned to the starting lineup in a surprise move by coach Chris Hughton, as many expected Majeed Ashimeru and Ernest Nuamah to start.
Ghana came close to taking the lead six minutes into the first half when Iniaki Williams set up Antoine Semenyo, whose shot was off target.
Iniaki Williams was all about business as he continued to find spaces for his teammates, as this time his cross was headed off target by Crystal Palace’s star, Jordan Ayew.
With three minutes left to the end of the first half, Comoros stunned the Ghanaians against the run of play as Maolida danced around Ghana’s defense to fire home a shocking lead, sending the home fans in wild jubilation.
The Black Stars return to the next half of the game in desperate search for the equalizer.
Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, and Majeed Ashimeru came in for Andre Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Abdul Salis Samed, respectively, twenty minutes into the second half.
Kudus nearly made an instant impact when he sent in a good cross to Iniaki Williams, who failed to replicate his thumping header against Madagascar.
Ernest Nuamah’s goal in the 65th minute was quickly disallowed for a foul on the Comoros keeper.
All attempts to snatch an equalizer proved futile, as the match ended in a shocking defeat for Ghana.
