2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Comoros Dominate CAR, Challenge Ghana in Group I

Comoros tightened the race in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after defeating the Central African Republic 2-0 on Sunday, September 7.

The result leaves them just a single point behind Ghana at the top of the table, although they have played one game more.

Comoros closed the gap between themselves and Ghana to just a point after beating the Central African Republic. Photo by MB Media. Source: Getty Images

Comoros beat CAR to close gap on Ghana

The visitors took control early in Meknes, Morocco, with veteran forward Youssouf M’Changama breaking the deadlock after 20 minutes.

The 35-year-old showed his composure to slot home and set the tone for the night.

Nineteen minutes later, Al-Kholood striker Myziane Maolida doubled the advantage with a clinical finish, ensuring the Coelacanths carried a comfortable lead into the break.

From there, the islanders managed the game with maturity, holding firm until the final whistle to secure all three points.

The win pushes Comoros to 15 points from eight matches, breathing new life into their dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance.

Ghana vs Mali looms as group decider

While Comoros celebrated, the result has added pressure on Ghana, who remain on top with 16 points but now see their cushion reduced to just one.

Madagascar are not far behind on 13 points from seven outings, and Mali sit on 12 with the same number of games played.

The Central African Republic, meanwhile, are fifth with five points, while Chad sit bottom on one.

With only group winners sealing automatic tickets to next year's global showpiece and the four best second-placed sides moving into the African play-offs, every match in the final stretch is poised to be decisive.

Attention now turns to Monday’s fixtures, where Ghana host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium and Madagascar entertain Chad at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

For Otto Addo’s men, victory against the Eagles is vital to restore breathing space at the summit.

The history between Ghana and Mali suggests another tense battle. According to 11v11, the two West African rivals have met 25 times.

The Black Stars hold 12 wins, Mali boast six, and seven games have ended level.

More recently, in their last 15 encounters across all competitions, Ghana have edged it with six victories, while Mali have managed five, with four draws.

With so much at stake, Monday’s clash in Accra could go a long way in shaping the group’s final outcome