Jordan Ayew Scores Hat Trick to Power Ghana to Victory in Seven Goal Thriller Against CAR

• Ghana and the Central Africa Republic's clash in the World Cup qualifiers ended in a thriller at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium
• The Black Stars defeated the Central Africa Republic 4-3 to go top of the table in Group I, with Jordan Ayew netting a hat-trick
• Louis Mafouta also netted a treble for the visitors as he continued his scoring run in the qualifiers for the Wild Beast

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 4-3 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Louis Mafouta's first-half brace handed the Black Stars a scare before the break but a strong display from Ghana in the second-half earned them a deserved victory.

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In a quick start to the game, the Black Stars made their early pressure count after Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahku 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.

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Ghana come back stronger for second-half

The Black Stars returned from halftime 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.

Ayew then completed his hat-trick following a quick move from the right between Alidu Seidu and Issahaku resulting in the Crystal Palace man pouncing home what could be his last action of the game.

Ghana coach Otto Addo rang in a few changes bringing on defenders Tariq Lamptey, Abdul Mumin Sulemana, and midfielder Elisha Owusu as the team managed to close in on a nervy end to the match.

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However, late in the game, Mafouta completed his hat-trick with a powerful freekick in the 90th minute.

Ayew scores winner against Mali

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Jordan Ayew was Ghana's hero in Bamako after climbing off the bench to score a late winner as the Black Stars defeated Mali in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bamako on Thursday.

Mali opened the scoring through Kamory Doumbia at the stroke of halftime but Ernest Nuamah responded after the break before Ayew netted the winner in extra-time.