How Ghana’s Squad Fared Over The Weekend Ahead of Final World Cup Qualifiers
As Ghana edges closer to the decisive final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, attention has turned to the performance of the players called up for the games against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
The Black Stars require only four points from the two fixtures to seal qualification for the tournament set to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
GOALKEEPERS
In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi was unable to prevent St. Gallen from slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Thun in the Swiss Super League, conceding twice in the process. Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare, meanwhile, produced a commanding display between the sticks, keeping a clean sheet in his side’s goalless draw with Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyabour Park. Elsewhere, Joseph Anang endured a tough outing as his St. Patrick’s Athletic side were eliminated from the FAI Cup after a 3-0 loss to Cork City.
DEFENDERS
At the back, several defenders enjoyed full 90-minute outings over the weekend. Alidu Seidu featured for Stade Rennes in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Le Havre, while Gideon Mensah also played the entire match as AJ Auxerre fell 2-1 to Lens. In Monaco, Mohammed Salisu was solid in defence during his team’s thrilling 2-2 stalemate against Nice. Jerome Opoku was also in action for İstanbul Başakşehir, although his side succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Konyaspor.
Kojo Peprah Oppong made a substitute appearance for OGC Nice in their draw with Rennes, while Caleb Yirenkyi impressed for FC Nordsjaelland, helping his team secure a 3-0 victory over Vejle. Youngster Jonas Adjetey was named on the bench for FC Basel’s 3-0 triumph over Servette, and Ebenezer Annan continued his fine run of form with a full match performance for AS Saint-Étienne in their 2-0 win over Montpellier. Alexander Djiku also completed the entire game for Spartak Moscow, despite his side’s narrow 3-2 defeat to CSKA Moscow.
MIDFIELDERS
In midfield, Elisha Owusu featured for 76 minutes in Auxerre’s loss to Lens, while Thomas Partey completed the full match for Villarreal in a challenging 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kwasi Sibo remained an unused substitute as Real Oviedo lost 2-0 to Levante in the Spanish Segunda División.
First Spurs goal. Trademark celebration.
Mohammed Kudus 👏 pic.twitter.com/rNyCIioCR7
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 4, 2025
Mohammed Kudus was among the standout performers abroad, netting his maiden goal of the season for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 victory over Leeds United.
FORWARDS
Fatawu Issahaku goal at Swansea today.
More like a trademark now. pic.twitter.com/wYq1IXr6N9
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) October 4, 2025
In attack, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku returned to the Black Stars fold on the back of another impressive display for Leicester City, where he scored a brilliant goal in a 3-1 win over Swansea City. In the United States, Joseph Paintsil featured for the LA Galaxy, playing the entire game in a narrow 2-1 defeat to FC Dallas. Kamaldeen Sulemana was also involved for Atalanta, clocking 74 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Como in Serie A.
Veteran forward Jordan Ayew watched from the bench as Leicester City overcame Swansea 3-1, while Inaki Williams found the net for Athletic Bilbao in their 2-1 win against Mallorca. Unfortunately, Williams is expected to miss the upcoming qualifiers due to injury, as confirmed by his coach.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo was in scintillating form, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 3-1 victory over Fulham.
🇬🇭 Be right back. Just watching this Antoine Semenyo goal on repeat for the next few hours. 👏 pic.twitter.com/vY1rPD4WRj
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 5, 2025
With players delivering strong performances across Europe and the local league, the Black Stars head into the doubleheader full of optimism, knowing that qualification for the 2026 World Cup lies firmly within reach.
