Ghana labored to a narrow 1-0 victory over Madagascar in their first 2026 World Cup qualification match, played on November 18, 2023. The Black Stars, expected to dominate at home in this Group I fixture, were made to work extremely hard for the three points by a stubborn Malagasy side. The only goal of the game came in the second half, likely from a set-piece or a moment of individual brilliance, breaking Madagascar's resilient defensive block. Ghana controlled possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized visiting team. The result, while not convincing, provides Ghana with a vital winning start as they aim to return to the World Cup stage. For Madagascar, the narrow defeat away to one of Africa's giants will be seen as a respectable performance.