Inaki Williams Fires Ghana to Victory With Last Gasp Winner Against Madagascar in Kumasi

• Ghana have beaten Madagascar in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• Inaki Williams scored late as the Black Stars got off to a winning start
• Ghana travels to Comoros for their second game in the group next week

Inaki Williams' debut goal for the Black Stars clinched Ghana a hard-fought victory against Madagascar to get off to a winning start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Athletic Club forward rose high to head home from a lovely cross from Gideon Mensah in the final minute of the game in Kumasi.

The visitors started the better of the two sides, getting two corner kicks in the first five minutes, but failed to take advantage of the set pieces.

Ghana came close on the other side through Williams, who was ruled offside after he was sent through by a clever pass from West Ham midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

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Moments later, Madagascar nearly broke the deadlock following a quick interchange of passes between Tokinantenaina Randriatsiferan and Dorian Bertrand, but goalkeeper Richard Ofori was quick to collect the ball.

Nicholas Opoku came close with a header from a corner before a quick counter-attack from the Black Stars saw Kudus force a corner-kick after his effort was deflected wide.

Randriatsiferan saw his long-range strike tipped off by Ofori as Madagascar finished the half strongly.

Chris Hughton made two changes after the break, bringing on Majeed Ashimeru and Dennis Odoi for Baba Idrissu and Alidu Seidu, respectively.

The home side started to attack and just three minutes into the second half, Williams and Semenyo missed a glorious chance to open the scoring.

Kudus pulled a great save from Madagascar's goalkeeper Melvin Adrien, who was kept busy for the most part of the half.

Williams finally had the ball into the net but the goal was ruled offside before he was denied a few minutes later by Adrien.

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Ernest Nuamah, who replaced Semenyo late in the game, caused troubles for the Madagascar defence but could not find the opener.

Madagascar hit the post with five minutes remaining before an influx of attack in the final minute saw Williams connecting to a cross from Gideon Mensah.

The Black Stars will travel to Comoros for their second group game.

Black Stars arrive in Kumasi for Madagascar clash

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that players of the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars have arrived in Kumasi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar on Friday.

The squad led by captain Andre Ayew and the technical team touched down in Kumasi on Tuesday afternoon and will hold their first training later today.

The Black Stars open their qualifying campaign at home before travelling to the Comoros Islands three days later for their second Group I game.