Chad vs Ghana: Black Stars eye another crucial step towards 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Black Stars will be gunning for another vital three points when they lock horns with Chad in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday afternoon at the Stade Olympique Marechal Idriss Deby Itno in N’Djamena.

Ghana sit top of Group I with 15 points from six matches, underlining their strong credentials in this campaign.

Otto Addo’s side have won five times and lost just once, showcasing both grit and quality on their road to the global showpiece.

Their latest triumph was a dominant 3-0 victory over Madagascar, powered by a Thomas Partey double and a Mohammed Kudus strike.

Chad, meanwhile, are rooted at the bottom of the group. The Sao have endured a difficult run and were thrashed 5-0 by Ghana in the reverse fixture in Accra.

This time, however, they come into the encounter with renewed belief under new coach Raoul Savoy and a completely different set of players from the side that suffered that heavy defeat.

With the passionate backing of their home crowd in N’Djamena, they will aim to restore pride and make life uncomfortable for the Black Stars.

The firepower at Addo’s disposal is impressive. Partey, Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo are expected to spearhead the attack, while Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is likely to retain his place after a string of solid displays.

Addo’s tactical versatility – switching between a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 – gives Ghana multiple ways to break down Chad’s defence.

With qualification within touching distance, Ghana know they cannot afford any slip-ups. A win in N’Djamena would tighten their grip on top spot and move them closer to another historic World Cup appearance in 2026.

This promises to be a clash of contrasting ambitions: Ghana chasing glory, Chad battling for pride in front of their home fans.