Black Stars forward Jordan Ayew bagged a hat trick of goals in a drama filled 4-3 Ghana win over Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Ghana’s win was registered in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier to complete a pair of wins in the latest windows of qualification games.
Ayew, who made his return to the starting lineup against C.A.R, made his presence count and justified Black Stars head coach Otto Addo’s decision by scoring a near perfect hat trick.
The Crystal Palace player slotted the ball into the right bottom of the net in the sixth minute from the penalty spot and a header in the 60th minute.
His third was in the 69th minute after sweeping the ball into the net with his right foot a yard off the goal line. Fatawu Issahaku’s deflected shot in the 62nd minute ensured Ghana completed the comeback.
CAR striker Louis Mafouta also bagged a hat trick including a sublime free kick in the 90th minute but his tremendous effort wasn’t enough despite CAR holding a 2-1 half time lead.
Mafouta took advantage of two defensive lapses in the first half to put CAR ahead but an improved performance in the second half got the Black Stars back in the tie.
England born Brandon Thomas-Asante, who plays for West Browmwich Albion, made his international debut for the Black Stars.
Ghana moves to the top of Group I’s standings with nine points off three wins in four games.