Chad scored a dramatic late equaliser through Young Africans forward Célestin Ecua to hold Ghana Black Stars to a 1-1 draw in match-day seven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Marshal Idriss Déby Itno Olympic Stadium in N’Djamena.
Coach Otto Addo surprised many by leaving key players such as Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, and Tariq Lamptey on the bench, opting instead to hand starting opportunities to Caleb Yirenkyi, Jonas Adjetey, and Benjamin Asare.
The hosts, ‘Les Sao’, started brightly and threatened on several occasions, with Dia Wah Michael’s dangerous cross early on forcing goalkeeper Benjamin Asare into action.
However, Ghana broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Mohammed Kudus delivered a clever ball across the box for captain Jordan Ayew, who calmly tapped home at the far post.
Despite trailing at the break, Chad emerged stronger in the second half. They appealed for a penalty in the 52nd minute after Haroun Tchaouna went down under pressure from Jonas Adjetey, but the referee waved play on.
Substitute Kamaldeen Sulemana injected pace into Ghana’s attack with a dazzling run and strike, but goalkeeper Mbayenaissem Jourdain was equal to the effort. Chad also came close when Gideon Mensah’s defensive lapse gifted Tchaouna a chance, but his shot was straight at Asare.
The breakthrough for Chad finally came in the 89th minute. Ecua made a sharp run before his strike took a wicked deflection, leaving Asare stranded as the ball found the net.
The draw marked Ghana’s first stalemate of the qualifying campaign, though they remain top of Group I with 16 points after seven matches. The Black Stars will next host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, while Chad face Madagascar.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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