Madagascar have jumped to first place in Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after delivering a brilliant effort to beat Central African Republic (C.A.R.) 4-1.

The island nation got the big win in one of the early qualifiers played out on Wednesday, March 19 at a neutral venue in Casablanca, Morocco.

Rayan Raveloson of Swiss side Young Boys BSC, bagged a brace via goals scored in the 17^th and 21^st minute respectively in response to a ninth minute goal from C.A.R.’s Hugo Gambor.

Both Raveloson goals were assisted by Warren Caddy; Arnaud Randriananteniana and Lalaina Cliver Rafanomezantsoa scored in the 49^th minute and 89^th minute to seal the win for Madagascar.

The result improves Madagascar’s point tally to 10 after five games and places them ahead of Comoros and Ghana who rank second and third but have nine points apiece from four games played.

Madagascar take on Ghana on Monday, March 24 in Morocco after the Black Stars’ tie against Chad on Friday, March 21.

Comoros on the other hand, are scheduled to play Mali and Chad on March 20 and 25 respectively. Scroll down to view Group I standings after Madagascar’s win over C.A.R.