Black Stars complicate 2026 World Cup qualification after faltering in Chad
Ghana’s quest for early qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback as the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in Thursday’s Group I clash in N’Djamena.
Qualifying in this international break now look impossible, as it is most unlikely that other results will go their way.
The visitors started brightly, taking the lead in the 17th minute. Mohammed Kudus, dazzling throughout with his skill and vision, skipped past a defender on the right before sending a low cross into the box.
Jordan Ayew timed his run perfectly to slot home his sixth goal of the campaign, giving Otto Addo’s side an early advantage. Ghana dominated large periods, creating multiple opportunities to extend their lead, but were unable to capitalise on them.
Chad, guided by newly appointed coach Raoul Savoy, showed resilience despite being reshaped after suffering a 5-0 defeat in Accra.
Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Young Africans SC forward Ecua Celestin struck from just outside the area, curling a superb effort past Benjamin Asare to snatch a dramatic equaliser.
The draw leaves Ghana atop Group I with 16 points, now on a four-point cushion, but complicates their path to automatic qualification.
Comoros remain the closest challengers with 12 points ahead of their clash against Mali late on Thursday, while top-seeded Mali are in danger of missing out after a slow start.
