World Cup Qualifying: Ghana slip up late in disappointing draw at Chad

Ghana’s chances of stretching their lead in Group I of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying was jolted when Chad held them to a 1-1 draw in N’Djamena on Thursday.

GOAL! Chad draw level. 1-1. pic.twitter.com/MyVmihwsDb

— Leto Foot (@LetoFoot) September 4, 2025

The Black Stars went into the game needing all three points to consolidate their lead in Group I where they sit at the top with 15 points from six matches.

The first ten minutes of the game saw Chad take the game to the four-time African champions but they lacked the cutting edge to deliver goals in front of their vociferous fans. Ghana opened the scoring when Mohammed Kudus wove past Chad defenders before sending in a low cross for Jordan Ayew to easily tap-in in the 16th minute.

GOAL! Ghana take the lead. Jordan Ayew pic.twitter.com/pV7DjAkIrV

— Leto Foot (@LetoFoot) September 4, 2025

The Black Stars came close to increasing the tally four minutes later when Antoine Semenyo sent in a cross but right back Caleb Yirenkyi blew the opportunity wide.

Ghana claimed control of the game afterwards and Jordan Ayew found Antoine Semenyo in a scoring position after a perfect passing in Chad’s half but the Bournemouth striker sent his effort into the skies with minutes to the first half.

Both countries returned for the second half with Ghana’s performance slightly above Chad. However, the home side came close twice to pulling level in the 50th minute but Ghana’s backline remained resolute, keeping their opponents at bay.

Kudus snapped in a curler in the 67th minute from a Yirenkyi pass in Chad’s penalty area but his kick missed the post by a whisker.

However, Chad came out of their shells momentarily to find the equalizer in the 90th minute. Young Africans forward Celestin Ecua made a solo run before smashing in a strike which deflected off the foot of Jerome Opoku to beat Benjamin Asare in goal for Ghana.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter finalists still remain on top of Group I on 16 points from seven matches, four better than Comoros who are away to Mali in match day 7. They will host Mali in their week 8 fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.

Group I Table

1. Ghana- 16 points (7 games played)
2. Comoros- 12 points (6 games)
3. Madagascar- 10 points (6 games)
4. Mali- 9 points (6 games)
5. Central African Republic- 5 points (6 games)
6. Chad- 1 point (7 games)

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