Jordan Ayew scored his second international hat-trick for Ghana in the 4-3 victory over Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers match day 4, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
The 32-year-old’s journey to his second hat-trick for the Black Stars started early in the game when he converted expertly from the spot on the 6th minute, after Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was brought down in the penalty box.
Ayew’s opener lasted only five minutes. Central African Republic drew parity in the 11th minute through Amiens forward, Louis Mafouta.
As Ghana pushed all out for the second goal, their opponents had different intentions. Louis Mafouta, once again, pounced on a loose ball before running the defense and slotting the ball past the on rushing Ghana goalie, Lawrence Ati-Zigi to give CAR a 2-1 lead on the 40th minute mark.
After conceding, Ghana pushed to get the equalizer before the break but CAR’s defenders were on high alert, thwarting every move made by the home side, and went into the break with the advantage.
However, after the recess, the Stars came into the game with different attitudes, showing their intentions to overturn the scoreline in their favour.
Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Jordan Ayew rose highest to head home a Gideon Mensah cross to get the equalizer and his second on the night.
Two minutes later, the stars went ahead 3-2 through Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, to turn the tie in their favour once again.
Jordan Ayew completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute and grabbed Ghana’s fourth of the night to give them a two-goal cushion.
Central African Republic, however, reduced the deficit in the 90th when Mafouta also completed his hat-trick on the night through a well struck free kick.
The game ended 4-3 to Ghana.
The Black Stars were winless in almost eight months prior to this qualifying window matches, but have now managed to secure two victories (against Mali and Central African Republic) to go top of Group I.
Jordan Ayew has been impressive in his last 4 games on the international stage, scoring 6 goals for Ghana which includes today’s hat-trick.
His previous hat-trick for the national team came against South Korea in a warm-up match for the 2014 World Cup, a game that ended 4-0 to Ghana.
The Crystal Palace forward has now moved to 6th place in the all time goals ranking for the Black Stars after his hat trick tonight.
He’s now on 28 goals, only one behind Anthony Yeboah and 5 behind his father, Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ who’s on 33.
The world cup qualifiers will return in March next year with fixtures against Chad and Madagascar.