West Brom forward Brandon Thomas-Asante makes Ghana debut

West Brom forward Brandon Thomas-Asante made his first appearance for Ghana in the thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic on a rain-soaked Monday night at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Thomas-Asante was included in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for this month’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers after impressing in the English Championship.

He was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win against Mali in Bamako but was brought on in the closing stages against Central African Republic for his debut.

The 25-year-old forward replaced Mohammed Kudus in the 88th minute, and he helped the Black Stars hold on for an important win to go top of the group.

Ghana seized an early advantage when Fatawu Issahaku won a penalty after just three minutes. Jordan Ayew confidently converted the spot-kick, setting the stage for a goal-laden encounter.

However, the Central African Republic quickly responded, with Louis Mafouta finding the net twice in the 11th and 41st minutes, propelling the visitors to a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The Black Stars mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, with Ayew restoring parity on the hour mark by nodding in a well-placed cross from Gideon Mensah.

Just two minutes later, Issahaku regained the lead for Ghana with a deflected effort. Ayew then completed his hat-trick and sealed Ghana’s triumph by capitalising on a rebound after Mohammed Kudus’ shot was blocked.

Despite CAR managing to pull one back with a powerful strike from Mafouta, completing his own hat-trick, Ghana held on for a narrow 4-3 victory.

This win catapults the Black Stars to the summit of Group I, leapfrogging Madagascar and Comoros, with nine points from four games played.

Brandon Thomas-Asante’s performance against the Central African Republic provided a glimpse of his potential contribution to the Black Stars in future matches. He was born in Milton Keynes to a Ghanaian father and a Jamaican mother.