At the Baba Yara Stadium, the Black Stars defeated their opponents 1-0 thanks to a header from the striker for Athletic Bilbao.

Although they struggled for extended periods, Chris Hughton's team eventually prevailed despite being frustrated by Madagascar for the whole of the match.


Unexpectedly, Richard Ofori was selected ahead of Lawrence Ati Zigi, Ghana's first-choice custodian since the 2022 World Cup, to return to the starting lineup.


Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Daniel Amartey, and Nicholas Opoku made up the back four, whilst Baba Iddrisu and Abdul Salis Samed played in the midfield.


Starting on the left side, Jordan Ayew was followed by Inaki Williams on the right, and Mohammed Kudus supported Antoine Semenyo up top.


Rakotoharimala's attempt at goal in the first two minutes of play went out for a corner, giving Madagascar the early advantage that startled the Black Stars.



But Ghana countered with a counterattack of their own, with Ayew cutting inside and sending a weak shot into custodian Adrien's palms.


In the first half, the visitors had a greater percentage of the ball and produced some excellent opportunities, but they were unable to convert.


Rakotoharimala had a rare opportunity when he was through on goal, but Amartey knocked him off balance, and his subsequent attempt missed.


In addition, Randriatsiferana dribbled into space before attempting a goal, but Ofori stopped him by saving the ball.


Nicholas Opoku had Ghana's first genuine opportunity, but he misdirected a free header. Semenyo was the next to set him up for Bournemouth, but Kudus' attempt was stopped.


Rakotoharimala's goal was disallowed for offside, nevertheless it was unfortunate for Madagascar not to take the lead before halftime.


For the second half, Hughton made a series of substitutions, starting Denis Odoi and Majeed Ashimeeru in place of Iddrisu and Seidu.


The Black Stars started to take control of the game, controlling possession and, at last, displaying greater purpose up front.


Williams was set up by Ernest Nuamah, a substitute, with a pinpoint cross after the latter added some pace to the right wing. However, Williams' attempted bicycle kick from Athletic Bilbao was unsuccessful.


Against the run of play, Rakotoharimala came close to giving Madagascar the lead when he was left unmarked in the area, but his header hit the post.


Together, Kudus and Nuamah created a fantastic opportunity, but Kudus's shot was stopped just before it painfully went out of play.


Williams made headlines with a last-minute header that handed the Black Stars all three points as the game was headed for a draw.