Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar has been relocated to Morocco and will now take place on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The match, originally set to take place in Antananarivo, has been relocated to the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima in Al Hoceima due to the unapproved status of Madagascar’s national stadium.
This change ensures the game is played on a neutral ground, as per FIFA regulations. The Black Stars will now face Madagascar in a Group I fixture, three days after their home game against Chad, scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, 2025.
The change in venue comes as Ghana seeks to bounce back from a disappointing 2024, during which they failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Otto Addo’s side struggled in their AFCON qualifiers, securing no wins in six matches and finishing last in their group.
Despite this setback, Ghana has made a strong start to 2025, sitting joint-top of Group I with Comoros. Their recent victories over Madagascar, Mali, and the Central African Republic highlight their potential heading into the World Cup qualifiers.
The relocation of the match to Morocco highlights the challenges faced by Madagascar’s football infrastructure, particularly their national stadium, which remains unapproved for hosting international fixtures.
This situation underscores the need for improved facilities to support their national team’s ambitions. The Black Stars, however, remain focused on their task at hand, aiming to use the neutral ground advantage in Al Hoceima to fuel their World Cup campaign.
The Black Stars are determined to use this game as a stepping stone, with the hope of building confidence and momentum for the rest of the World Cup qualifiers. With the stakes high, both teams are poised to give a compelling performance, making this fixture a must-watch for football fans globally.
