Comoros defeat Black Stars again
Ghana’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback after the Black Stars lost 0-1 to 'Les Coelacantes' of Comoros at the Omnisports Stadium in Moroni on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
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It was the second straight victory by the island nation over the Black Stars following their 3-2 win at the Africa Cup of Nations last year, leading to Ghana's early exit from the competition.
The wild celebration that greeted the final whistle from the players, officials and fans reflected their renewed confidence and a perfect run in the 2026 World Cup qualifying competition as the Comoros consolidated their position on top of the Group I log with six points from two matches, with Ghana fourth on the table with three points behind Mali (four points) and Madagascar (three points).
The home side survived an early threat after Ghana's Antoine Semenyo fluffed a golden chance to score. A momentary loss of concentration allowed Myziane Maolida to score the match winner minutes before half time.
It was a brilliant effort as the forward broke away from midfield, dribbled past his markers effortlessly before firing to the blind side of goalkeeper Richard Ofori in the 43rd minute.
Changed lineup
Coach Chris Hughton had made three changes to the team that beat Madagascar 1-0 last Friday by introducing Skipper Andre Ayew, Kasim Nuhu Adams and Denis Odoi.
Midway into the second half, the Black Stars kept the pressure on the home side following the introduction of Kudus Mohammed, Ernest Nuamah, Majeed Ashimeru who attacked in droves in search of the equalising goal, as Comoros sat back and soaked up the pressure, and occasionally tried to catch the Ghanaians on the break.
The Black Stars managed to get the ball at the back at the net in the 65th minute but their celebration was dashed after the referee disallowed the goal for a foul, penalising substitute Nuamah for a foul on goalkeeper Ben Boina during an aerial challenge in the six yard box.
Ghana created the first chance in the sixth minute when Inaki Williams returned a quick pass to Semenyo but with only the goalkeeper to beat, the England-based striker wasted the golden chance to put his team ahead.
Four minutes later, Comoros also launched their own attack when Baba Iddrisu lost the ball in midfield to Bendjaloud Youssouf who surged forward to drive from 25 yards but missed the target narrowly.
Buoyed by the home support, the Comorians managed to contain the threats of the Black Stars, and in the 20th minute Faiz Selemani teased Ofori with a thunderbolt but the Ghana keeper proved equal to the task.
Comoros did not relent in their pursuit for the opener and pushed more men upfront, and profited from a corner kick in the 24 minute which was taken quickly by Youssouf who fired from a tight angle, nearly deceiving goalkeeper Ofori.