Africa-Press – Ghana. The Black Stars of Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualification encounter at Stade Olympique Marechell Idriss Deby Itno, N’djamena on Thursday.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew scored his sixth goal of the qualifiers but a late goal from Ecua Celestine ensured that the spoils were shared at the end of 90 minutes.
As it stands now, Ghana, who have played a game more, are top of Group I with 16 points, followed by Comoros with 12 points. Madagascar have 10 points, while Mali are fourth with nine points.
The Central African Republic are fifth with five points, while Chad have one point.
Coach Otto Addo, who is hoping to secure a place for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, named a strong side for the Chad encounter, with Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo leading the attack.
Chad made a strong start to the game as they pressed the Ghana defence for the opening goal but lacked the quality.
Ghana deservedly went in in the 17th minute after Kudus Mohammed beautifully teed up Ayew for a close-range finish.
The Black Stars, after taking the lead, slowed the pace of the game as they dominated possession but couldn’t create enough chances.
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin was only called into action on the brink of half-time as he made a comfortable save to maintain his side’s lead.
The start of the second half was at a low pace, but it was Chad who made more attacking incursions as they searched for the equaliser.
Substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana nearly came close to doubling Ghana’s lead in the 79th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved.
It was a lacklustre performance from the Black Stars in the late stages of the game.
Chad deservedly restored parity in the 90th minute through Celestine Ecua’s deflected strike.
Next up for the Black Stars would be their crucial encounter against the Eagles of Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Ghana’s Starting XI: Benjamin Asare (GK), Caleb Yirenkyi, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Salis Samed, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Kudus, and Jordan Ayew
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