FINALLY - Iñaki Williams scores first goal for Black Stars in over 800 minutes of football
FINALLY - Iñaki Williams scores his first goal for the Black Stars of Ghana in over 800 minutes of football
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12 caps (appearances) - 1 goal
In a closely contested match during the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Madagascar on Friday evening, courtesy of a late goal from Inaki Williams, reports Graphic Online's Kweku Zurek.
The Black Stars kicked off their qualifying campaign with a home game against the determined Malagasy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The initial half of the game proved challenging for the Black Stars, as the visitors demonstrated tenacity, causing disruptions in the midfield and defensive lines of the Ghana national team.
Head coach Chris Hughton's strategic changes in the second half, including the introduction of midfielder Majeed Ashimeru, Denis Odoi, and winger Ernest Nuamah, proved pivotal as Ghana's offensive efforts began to synchronize.
In the dying minutes of the game, a precisely delivered cross from full-back Gideon Mensah found Iñaki Williams, who, with a powerful header, netted the decisive goal for Ghana.
This marked Williams' first goal for Ghana after a goal drought spanning 800 minutes and 12 appearances since switching nationalities from Spain to represent Ghana.
The 96th-minute goal propelled the Black Stars to second place in Group I, trailing behind Comoros, who secured a 4-2 victory over Central African Republic earlier, boasting a superior goal difference.
The Black Stars are set to travel for their next qualifier against Comoros on Tuesday, November 21.
