Ghana needs just a single point to clinch qualification, and spirits are high after a commanding 5-0 win against the Central African Republic. But for Agyemang-Badu, this final Group I fixture is about more than just crossing the finish line — it’s about pride, payback, and restoring Ghana's dominance.
Comoros: A Small Island, A Big Nuisance
The island nation of Comoros has developed a reputation as Ghana’s unlikely nemesis in recent years. Since their first high-stakes clash at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon — where Comoros stunned Ghana with a 3-2 upset that knocked the Black Stars out of the tournament — the rivalry has quietly grown in significance.
More recently, Comoros remains the only team to have beaten Ghana in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, making Sunday’s matchup feel deeply personal for players and fans alike.
“They’ve been a thorn in our flesh,” Agyemang-Badu told Channel One TV. “This match is more than just qualification — it’s a statement. We want to teach them that Ghana is a true footballing nation.”
The 34-year-old, who retired from international football in 2021, urged the team to treat the clash as a celebration of Ghana’s football heritage — and an opportunity to send a message.
“It’s going to be an exciting game — a celebration match — but we must win. No excuses,” he added.
Ghana on the Brink — and in Control
With 22 points and a healthy +8 goal difference, Ghana tops Group I heading into the final qualifier. Madagascar trails in second place and would need a miraculous combination of results and goals to overtake the Black Stars.
According to FIFA’s official qualification structure, the winners of each group in Africa’s qualifiers secure an automatic ticket to the World Cup. For Ghana, a draw would be enough to seal top spot. A win, however, would end any debate — and offer sweet revenge.
Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo, who returned to lead the team earlier this year after previously guiding the side at the 2022 World Cup, has restored confidence in the squad following a rocky start to the campaign. The team’s latest demolition job against Central African Republic showed flashes of classic Ghanaian flair, coupled with ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
Spotlight on Redemption
The Black Stars are under pressure not just to qualify, but to perform. The national team has struggled in recent tournaments, including a group-stage exit at the last AFCON. Fans and pundits alike have voiced concerns about inconsistency, leadership, and tactical discipline.
But recent performances suggest a turning tide. Ghana’s frontline — led by promising talents like Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo — has found its rhythm, while the midfield is beginning to show the balance it lacked in previous outings.
Still, the specter of Comoros looms large.
“This is not a team we can take lightly. They’ve shown they can beat us, and that should be the biggest motivation,” said sports analyst Gary Al-Smith, speaking to Joy Sports earlier this week. “If Ghana plays with focus and urgency, the game should be ours. But we can’t afford complacency.”
Comoros Fighting for Pride
Though already out of contention for qualification, Comoros will not roll over. The team has proven capable of punching above its weight, and a victory against Ghana — especially in Accra — would be a symbolic win for the island nation.
Coached by Younes Zerdouk, Comoros has invested in tactical discipline and compact defending. While they lack the star power of their opponents, their unity and resilience have made them a difficult side to break down.
The Bigger Picture
The stakes extend beyond Sunday’s match. Ghana has qualified for four of the last five World Cups, missing only the 2018 edition in Russia. Another trip to the global stage would reinforce the country’s reputation as a mainstay in African football — and silence critics who claim the team has lost its edge.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be the biggest in history — featuring 48 teams and hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the Black Stars are eager to be part of football’s expanded global party.
One More Job
For Agyemang-Badu and many fans, Sunday isn’t just another qualifier. It’s a chance to right a wrong and put an exclamation point on a long campaign.
“Yes, we only need a draw — but this is Ghana. We go for the win,” Agyemang-Badu said.
Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM local time at the Accra Sports Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on GTV Sports+ and available on FIFA’s digital platforms.
If the Black Stars deliver the performance many expect, it will be both a return to the World Cup — and a reckoning with Comoros, long overdue.
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