Ghana’s hopes of securing early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback on Thursday after conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena.
Jordan Ayew gave the Black Stars a 17th-minute lead, continuing his prolific form with a sixth goal of the campaign. The striker latched onto a precise low cross from Mohammed Kudus, who had dazzled his marker with trademark skill on the right flank before delivering the assist.
Otto Addo’s men dominated much of the contest and created opportunities to extend their advantage, but Chad under newly appointed coach Raoul Savoy proved far more disciplined than the side beaten 5-0 in Accra earlier in the campaign.
Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Ecua Celestin, forward for Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC, fired a stunning long-range strike past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to level the score. The equaliser sparked jubilant celebrations at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.
Despite Ghana’s late push in stoppage time, Chad’s resilient back line held firm. The result keeps the Black Stars top of Group I, but with crucial fixtures still to come as the qualifiers head into their decisive stages.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Christian Kobby Quarshie
