Kudus Delivers Again as Ghana Edge Comoros to Tighten Grip on World Cup Qualification Group

ACCRA—As dusk fell over a raucous Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana’s Black Stars stood firm atop their World Cup qualifying group, carving out a narrow yet vital 1-0 victory over a stubborn Comoros side. For a team accustomed to drama and expectation, Sunday’s result was a study in both patience and persistence, illuminated by the spark of Mohammed Kudus—a player now synonymous with Ghana’s ambitions on the road to 2026.

The match, dense with tension and short on clear-cut chances, pivoted on a moment of individual class just after halftime. In the 47th minute, Kudus, who has become Ghana’s talisman in this qualification campaign, found a pocket of space on the edge of the area. Collecting a sharp pass from Thomas Partey, he feinted right, shifted left, and unleashed a low drive that darted beneath the despairing dive of Comorian keeper Ali Ahamada. The stadium, anxious through much of the opening stanza, erupted—the familiar sense that Kudus can bend these nights to his will reaffirmed once again.

For Ghana, the win consolidated their perfect October run—a 5-0 demolition of the Central African Republic just days ago had showcased their attacking verve, with five different names on the scoresheet. Yet tonight was a different assignment, less about flair and more about composure under pressure. The Black Stars labored through a cagey first half, probing for weaknesses in a Comoros defense clearly intent on frustrating their hosts.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Early exchanges offered little to separate the sides. Ghana’s Jordan Ayew threatened with a glancing header in the 22nd minute, while Comoros—fresh from a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Madagascar—nearly capitalized on a rare foray when Rafiki Saïd seized on a loose ball, forcing Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a sharp save at his near post.

But it was Kudus who seized the narrative. The 24-year-old, already on the scoresheet earlier in the week, continues to justify his status as the heartbeat of this evolving Ghana squad. His goal changed the dynamics completely—forcing Comoros to shift from containment to cautious aggression as the minutes ticked by.

Despite Ghana’s slender lead, the contest never lost its edge. Comoros, who pulled off a surprise away victory over the Central African Republic last month but have otherwise struggled for momentum, pushed for parity as the second half wore on. Youssouf M'Changama dictated play from deep, while Myziane Maolida’s introduction added fresh pace. The Black Stars, however, marshaled the closing stages with discipline, Partey and Salisu anchoring midfield and defense, snuffing out any late Comorian threats.

No red cards were issued, though tempers flared in the dying moments as fatigue and urgency caught up with both sets of players. The final whistle brought a roar of relief and celebration—a result that keeps Ghana’s qualification trajectory on course.

Context and Implications

Ghana’s campaign, already bolstered by an emphatic win in Bangui and a crucial home triumph over Mali, is now officially gathering steam. Undefeated in their last five qualifiers, with three wins and a draw, the Black Stars are making their case as group favorites—a marked contrast to the stutters and uncertainty that defined previous qualification cycles.

For Comoros, tonight marks a second consecutive defeat and a reality check after their historic run to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Wins, such as their impressive 2-0 result in Bangui, have been too infrequent to sustain a serious qualifying challenge. Their inability to breach the Ghanaian defense tonight underlines a broader struggle: scoring against Africa’s elite remains a formidable hurdle.

Standings and Recent Form

Ghana’s recent results outline a team in ascendancy:

• 5-0 win at Central African Republic (Oct 8)
• 1-0 win vs Mali (Sep 8)
• 1-1 draw at Chad (Sep 4)

Comoros, meanwhile, have stumbled:

• 1-2 loss vs Madagascar (Oct 8)
• 2-0 win at Central African Republic (Sep 7)
• 0-3 loss at Mali (Sep 4)

These records, coupled with Ghana’s victory tonight, all but secure their position at the group summit as October concludes.

Head-to-Head and Historical Note

Fans might recall Ghana’s hard-fought 2-0 win over Comoros during the 2021 AFCON group stage, as well as a memorable but chaotic 3-2 defeat when the two sides clashed months later. This evening’s encounter was defined less by chaos, more by calculation and the narrowest of margins.

What’s Next

For Ghana, qualification is now within touching distance, but every point remains precious. Manager Otto Addo will seek continuity, wary of complacency but buoyed by a squad growing in confidence and chemistry. Kudus’s rising star, barring injury, looks set to be the story of this campaign.

Comoros leave Accra frustrated but not without resolve. With fixtures remaining against direct rivals, hope is not yet extinguished—yet their path narrows with each missed opportunity. The quest for a second consecutive major tournament appearance now demands a perfect run-in—and perhaps a little magic.

Tonight, though, belonged to Ghana. In a match short on spectacle but high on consequence, the Black Stars’ march toward the global stage continues, guided—as ever—by the left boot of Mohammed Kudus.