Team news, stats and rankings: All you need to know ahead of Ghana versus Central African Republic

The Central African Republic will play as guests against the Black Stars for the fourth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The game presents an opportunity for Ghana to take a leading position in the qualifiers, with the Baba Yara Stadium expected to be filled to capacity today, June 10, 2024. GhanaWeb previews the match with statistics, key battles, coaches' statements, and team news. Group I Overview Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers currently features Madagascar, Comoros, and Ghana, all tied with six points. However, Madagascar leads the group with a superior goal difference of +3, Comoros is second with +2, while the Black Stars are third with +1. Mali holds the fourth position with four points, the same as the Central African Republic, who are ranked fifth due to an inferior goal difference of -1. Chad is last with zero points from the four matches played so far. The fourth round of matches will see Madagascar host Mali, Ghana host C.A.R, and Chad host Co moros. A victory for Ghana and a defeat or draw for Madagascar and Comoros will see the Black Stars move to the top of the group for the first time in the qualifiers. Head-to-Head History Ghana and the Central African Republic have met twice, with the Black Stars winning one and drawing the other. Ghana's only victory over C.A.R came in September 2023 when the Black Stars came from a goal down to win 2-1, thanks to goals from Kudus and Inaki Williams. Last Five Matches in All Competitions Ghana: W-L-D-D-L Central African Republic: W-W-W-D-L Team News The Black Stars have a fully fit squad, with all 26 players invited for the June World Cup qualifiers available for the game. Similarly, C.A.R has no injury concerns going into the game. Coaches' Statements Ahead of the Game Otto Addo of Ghana and Raoul Savoy of C.A.R have expressed their confidence ahead of today's game, each convinced of a victory. Otto Addo: "We had a few injuries, but it seems that everyone will fully participate in training toda y, and I'm optimistic that all players will be fit for the game." Raoul Savoy: "It was not easy in Oujda against Chad, but the key was to win, then travel calmly and join Kumasi to better prepare for the game against Ghana. We will benefit from our full strength because no one was injured, which is a good thing. My players are ready and eager to make an impact on Monday... We also remember our September game, where we played well but lost in the end to a contentious goal. It will be a very close game, and I hope it's our turn to get our revenge." Key Players Mohammed Kudus for Ghana Despite his underwhelming performance against Mali, Mohammed Kudus remains Ghana's most reliable player, with high expectations that the West Ham United forward will excel today. Geoffrey Kondogbia The former France international, who switched nationality to C.A.R, has been a constant presence in the team. The Olympique Marseille midfielder is expected to orchestrate plays for his side in midfield with his tackles and inter ceptions. FIFA Ranking Ghana is currently 68th in the global ranking and 14th on the African continent. C.A.R is ranked 128th globally and 36th on the continent. The game is scheduled for 19:00 GMT and it will be live on GhanaWeb Source: Ghana Web