Ghana’s Iñaki Williams scored a late goal to secure a 1-0 victory over Madagascar, giving Ghana a winning start to World Cup qualifying.
Ghana has qualified for four of the last five World Cups and reached the quarterfinals in South Africa in 2010.
Williams broke the deadlock with a powerful header after having an earlier goal disallowed for offside.
Both teams observed a moment of silence in memory of the late former Ghana and Levante striker Raphael Dwamena.
Leicester forward Patson Daka scored twice as Zambia defeated Republic of Congo 4-2 at home. Malawi also snatched a 1-0 win away to Liberia, and other matches resulted in wins for Libya, Comoros, and Guinea.
Nine teams from Africa will qualify directly for the 48-team 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with a potential 10th team making the field through the playoffs.