Jordan Ayew was the hero at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, 10 June 2024, as Ghana came from behind to beat the Central African Republic 4-3 in a scintillating 2026 World Cup qualifier.

It was a night of hat tricks for both Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta.

Ayew, who plays for Crystal Palace, had the home fans celebrating early with a goal from the penalty spot after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was tripped in the box.

The Central African Republic equalized five minutes later thanks to a sweet strike from Louis Mafouta. The away team took the lead in the 40th minute when Mafouta scrambled the ball through the Ghanaian defenders and squeezed it through the legs of goalie Ati Zigi.

The Black Stars turned the script in the second half, coming out guns blazing.

Jordan Ayew scored his brace when he headed home from a Gideon Mensah cross in the 60th minute. Just two minutes later, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored when his shot was cruelly deflected off a defender.

Ayew was back on the scoresheet in the 69th minute, tapping into an empty net after the keeper couldn’t handle a shot from distance.

Louis Mafouta completed his hat trick in the 90th minute with a beautiful free kick, reducing the deficit.

Ghana now tops Group I with 9 points in a group that includes Mali, the Central African Republic, Comoros, Chad, and Madagascar.