When it’s not a late winner saving the day, it’s the calculator doing the heavy lifting. Ghanaians have mastered the art of running permutations: “If this team draws and that team loses by two goals, then we’re through.” It’s almost a national ritual comprising anxiety, arithmetic, and hope.
This time, though, Otto Addo’s men have the chance to leave the calculator at home, or at least, on standby. The Black Stars face the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday in Morocco, knowing that qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be sealed before the weekend.
The scenario
Ghana currently sits three points clear at the top of Group I, after a hard-fought win over Mali in Accra.
The equation is simple: a win over CAR puts Ghana within touching distance of the World Cup. But, as always, the calculators are never too far away.
If Ghana beat CAR and Comoros defeat Madagascar, the Black Stars are through to the 2026 World Cup. If Ghana win and Comoros draw with Madagascar, Ghana also qualify automatically.
However, if Ghana fail to win, then regardless of what happens elsewhere, qualification could be delayed until Sunday - cue another round of calculators, spreadsheets and collective national stress.
The opponents
The Central African Republic arrive in Morocco with little but pride to play for. They are winless in their last eight matches, and their campaign effectively ended weeks ago.
Still, they will want to finish strong, and Ghana know better than to take such teams lightly. CAR pushed the Black Stars hard in the reverse fixture and will take inspiration from Chad’s 1-1 draw with Ghana just a few weeks ago.
Wednesday’s match being held in Morocco, a neutral ground, should play in Ghana’s favour. Otto Addo’s men have shown improved composure away from home recently, with crucial wins in Madagascar and Mali during the qualifiers.
Ghana’s mission
Addo has been here before. In 2022, his Ghana side went through a nail-biting two-legged playoff against Nigeria, drawing 1-1 in Abuja to qualify on away goals.
This time, there’s no away-goal rule to hide behind, and the team has just a straightforward target of winning and waiting for the math to confirm it.
If qualification is sealed on Wednesday, it will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup after 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.
It would also make Addo the first coach in history to lead Ghana to the World Cup twice, a fitting milestone for a man whose journey with the national team has been defined by rebuilding and the challenges that come with it.
Beyond qualification
Beyond the permutations, this is a chance for Ghana to show control and dominate an opponent, finish the job early, and avoid the usual late drama that seems stitched into the Black Stars’ DNA.
For once, the fans would love to retire their calculators, at least for a few days. But knowing Ghanaian football, don’t throw it away just yet; keep it charged, just in case.
The Black Star Watch is a compelling weekly column written by Owuraku Ampofo, a seasoned sports journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Ghanaian players. This column aims to uncover patterns, address pressing questions, and illuminate trending topics surrounding Ghanaian footballers.
