
Jordan Ayew scores hat trick to power Ghana to 4-3 victory against CAR
Jordan Ayew scored a hat-trick to boost Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes as the team recovered from 2-1 to beat the Central African Republic (CAR) 4-3 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Louis Mafouta’s first-half brace handed the Black Stars a scare before the break.
In a quick start to the game, the Black Stars made their early pressure count after Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku drew a foul in the box and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty.
Ayew made no mistake from the spot, sending the Central Africa Republic goalkeeper, Dominique Youfeigane, the wrong way.
The visitors responded six minutes later after forward Louis Mafouta perfectly picked a well-measured pass from captain Geoffrey Kondogbia before slotting home past Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Central Africa Republic nearly took the lead moments later after a poor Alexander Djiku pass left Ati Zgi racing out to clear.
Halfway through the first half, Abdul Samed Salis fired from outside the box but did not trouble the Wild Beast.
Just before half-time, Mafouta took advantage of a break by the visitors to hand the Central Africa Republic the lead, leaving the defenders of Ghana in disarray.
The Black Stars returned from rejuvenated with Sulemana coming close twice in the space of three minutes.
Just on the hour mark, a cross-field pass from Mohammed Kudus found Gideon Mensah, whose cross was met by the head of Ayew as the Black Stars levelled.
Two minutes later, Ghana took the lead after Ayew found Partey, who served Issahaku with the Leicester forward’s strike taking a deflection into the net.
Source: Asaaseradio