Madagascar thrashed Central Africa Republic 4-1 away to secure top spot in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

It took only nine minutes for Central Africa to open the scoring through Hugo Gambor in the match.

However, the hosts capitulated following braces from Ryan Raveloson and Arnaud Randrianantenaina.

Raveloson struck twice within four minutes to turn the game around in the 21st minute.

Randrianantenaina netted the third in the 49th minute before sealing the tie with the fourth goal a minute before regulation time.

The victory elevates Madagascar to the top of Group I with 10 points, while CAR drop to 5th with four points.

Ghana, who sit third, could claim top spot with a victory over Chad in their qualifying fixture on Friday at the Accra Sports Stadium.