PLAYER RATINGS: Ghana 1-0 Madagascar - Ashimeru scores high marks with game-changer performance as Inaki Williams grabs debut goal

Anderlect midfielder Majeed Ashimeru climbed off the bench to hugely influence Ghana's 1-0 hard-fought win over Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 26-year-old had taken the place of Almeria loanee Mohammed Baba Iddrisu just before the start of the second half and he made impact in the 50 minutes he lasted on the field of player with his workaholic displays.

Though the Black Stars needed a last-gasp finish to claim the maximum points, the game had a different flavour as Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams registered his first Ghana goal after previously playing 11 games without finding the back of the net.

West Ham United's Kudus Mohammed struggled to stamp his authority in the midfield as the Malagasies totally outplayed the Black Stars leaving fans at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on tenterhooks.

Ghana coach Chris Hughton afforded a big sigh of relief at the final whistle as his side did the needful by grinding the results at the death.

Ghana Sscores Net's Akyereko runs the rule over the performance of the Players players in Kumasi.

• Richard Ofori - 6.5/10

Despite failing to get a single minute in the PSL at Orlando Pirates, Chris Hughton decided to hand him the nod to start the game ahead of Jojo Wollacott and Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Though the former Legon Cities goalkeeper was beaten a number of time his defence saved the day for him. Aside that he didn't commit any serious goalkeeping blunder. This was his first competitive game since September 2021 when he left the field at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg when Ghana suffered a 1-0 loss to Bafana Bafana.

• Alidu Seidu - 5/10

Fosa Juniors' Tsiry Razafindrasata created problems for the Clermont Foot defence as he successfully beat him on three occasions in the first-half. Obviously the tough-tackling right-back allowed his side of defence to become a channel of attack for the Malagasies. He was replaced by Denis Odoi at half-time.

• Gideon Mensah - 6/10

He improved his game after the break and contributed greatly to Ghana's attack in the last 15 minutes of the game. He assisted Inaki Williams' goal with a well-delivered cross from the left side of attack.

• Nicholas Opoku - 7/10

Though Ghana's defence was broken a number of times the Amiens center-back had a evening at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. He vitally made a goal-line clearance after Richard Ofori was beaten in a Malagasy attack. The former Udinese man partnered well with Daniel Amartey in central defence.

• Daniel Amartey - 6.5/10

He was forced off the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury with FC Basel loanee Kasim Nuhu Adams taking his place in defence. However, the former Leceister City defender had had a decent game prior to his substitution.

• Baba Iddrisu Mohammed - 5.5/10

Hughton handed the Spain-based midfielder the nod to start in midfield and he was underwhelming as he failed to prove that he had the strong legs to run, press, destroy, distribute and initiate attacks from the midfield. His place was taken by Majeed Ashimeru after the break.

• Abdul Samed Salis - 6/10

The Lens midfielder attempted to control the tempo of Ghana's play and translate it into the game, however, the quick play of the Malagasies took him out of the game for majority of the period. He lasted the entire period of the game.

• Mohammed Kudus - 6/10

Fans trooped to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium with high expectations of the West Ham United midfielder but he played below those expectations as the Malagasies easily handled his treats in the game for the entire regulation minute plus added-time.

• Jordan Ayew - 5.5/10

The Crystal Palace man couldn't get himself on target as his goal drought in competitive Ghana games prolong. The last time Jordan scored in a competitive fixture for Ghana was March 28, 2021 against Sao Tome and Principe in a 3-1 triumph for Ghana at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. He failed to get on the score-sheet once again.

• Antoine Semenyo - 6/10

The Bournemouth man had more fire in his belly and pressed the opposition defence who were calm through the 90 minutes. He was replaced on the 73rd minute mark by Olympique Lyon's Ernest Nuamah.

• Inaki Williams - 7/10

Despite fluffing his lines earlier in the game, the Bilbao man registered the much-needed goal for Ghana on the 95th minute as he applied a powerful header to a cross from Gideon Mensah. That was his first Ghana goal in 12 games.

SUBSTITUTES

• Majeed Ashimeru - 8.5/10 - MAN OF THE MATCH

The Anderlecht man was the game-changer for Ghana as he climbed off the bench to take the place of Baba Iddrisu and immediately brought some urgency into the Ghana game with his brilliant athleticism and his exquisite passing and pressing play. Great game!

THE REST...

• Osman Bukari - 6/10
• Ernest Nuamah - 6/10
• Denis Odoi - 6/10
• Kasim Adams - 5.5/10