Black Stars Miss Chance to Extend Lead in World Cup Qualifiers After Draw with Chad
The Black Stars of Ghana squandered a golden opportunity to go six points clear in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, settling for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Chad.
Ghana entered the match on a high, boasting four consecutive wins in the qualifiers and eager to make it five. The team took an early lead in the 12th minute when Jordan Ayew capitalized on a precise cross from Mohammed Kudus, putting the Black Stars on the scoreboard.
Despite the promising start, Ghana struggled to maintain control of the game, often finding themselves on the back foot. The team had several chances to secure all three points but failed to convert. Antoine Semenyo missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper, sending his shot over the bar, while Kudus came tantalizingly close with a curling effort that drifted just inches wide of the top corner.
As the match wore on, Ghana’s inability to extend their lead proved costly. In the dying moments of the game, Chad’s Celestine Ecua surged through the midfield, unleashing a strike that deflected off defender Caleb Yirenkyi and found its way into the net in the 90th minute. This late equalizer not only secured Chad their first point of the qualifiers after six consecutive defeats but also marked a significant moment as it was their first home game in six years.
The Black Stars will now regroup and set their sights on their upcoming match against Mali on September 8, as they seek to return to winning ways and solidify their position in the qualifying race.
With the draw, the pressure mounts on Otto Addo’s side to bounce back and demonstrate their potential as they aim for a spot in the World Cup.
