Black Stars Stumble In Chad, 2026 World Cup Qualification Hopes Complicated
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Ghana’s push for early qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit a roadblock after the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in their Group I encounter on Thursday in N’Djamena.
The result dents Otto Addo’s side’s hopes of sealing qualification during this international window, as other group outcomes are unlikely to fall in their favour.
The Black Stars made a lively start and took the lead in the 17th minute. Mohammed Kudus, who was outstanding throughout with his vision and dribbling flair, skipped past his marker on the right flank before delivering a precise low cross. Jordan Ayew met it with perfect timing, slotting home his sixth goal of the qualifying campaign to hand Ghana the advantage.
Despite dominating possession and carving out several chances, Ghana failed to add to their tally — a wastefulness that proved costly.
Chad, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Raoul Savoy, displayed determination and organisation, a stark contrast to their heavy 5-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in Accra. Their resilience was rewarded late on, when Young Africans SC striker Ecua Celestin unleashed a curling strike from the edge of the box in the 89th minute, beating goalkeeper Benjamin Asare for a dramatic equaliser.
The draw keeps Ghana at the top of Group I with 16 points, four points clear of second-placed Comoros, who face Mali later on Thursday. However, the dropped points leave the Black Stars’ path to automatic qualification more precarious.
Mali, the group’s top-seeded side, remain under pressure after a sluggish start to their campaign and risk missing out on a top-two finish.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
