Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus strengthened Ghana's bid for a place at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Four-time continental champions Ghana failed to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but the Black Stars sit five points clear of second-placed Madagascar in Group I following their 3-0 victory away against the islanders.

Ghana's cause was also helped as Mali, the top seeds in their group, were held to a goalless draw away against Central African Republic.

The Eagles are third, six points behind Ghana, with four rounds of the 10-game campaign remaining.

Ghana's dismal Afcon qualifying campaign at the end of last year means they will be missing from the tournament for the first time since 2004, but the West Africans are in pole position to secure back-to-back appearances at the World Cup finals.

Partey gave the Black Stars the perfect start against Madagascar when the Arsenal midfielder powerfully met Jordan Ayew's pinpoint free-kick in the 11th minute.

The same two players combined to make it 2-0 eight minutes into the second half as Partey again found space to head home Ayew's corner from the right.

And five minutes later newly-appointed Ghana captain Ayew was the creator again, threading a through ball into the box for Kudus to convert.

The Black Stars, who thrashed Chad 5-0 on Friday, extended their lead in Group I after Mali were frustrated by CAR in neutral Casablanca.

The Eagles struggled to create clear chances, with Yves Bissouma firing a volley over the bar and Abdoulaye Diaby heading narrowly side.

Only the nine group winners in African qualifying are assured of a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup finals.

The four best second-placed sides will play off for a space at an intercontinental qualifier which will provide the chance for a 10th side to reach the United States, Mexico and Canada.