Ghana’s Black Stars were left frustrated in N’Djamena after conceding a late equaliser in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad on Thursday afternoon.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Otto Addo’s side settled for a 1-1 draw after Celestine Ecua struck in the 89th minute to cancel Jordan Ayew’s opener.
The visitors started brightly, controlling over 60% of the ball in the opening stages.
Their early pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Mohammed Kudus beat his marker down the right flank and squared for captain Jordan Ayew, who tapped home from close range.
Ghana could have doubled the advantage minutes later through teenage forward Caleb Yirenkyi, but his effort from inside the box went over the bar.
Otto Addo’s men maintained control for much of the first half, with Antoine Semenyo also failing to convert a big chance just before the break.
Chad, however, remained compact in defence and relied on set-pieces to threaten, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare dealing comfortably with their few attempts.
After the interval, Ghana pushed for a second goal to kill off the game. Kudus went close in the 66th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the box, while substitutes Kamaldeen Sulemana and Christopher Baah Bonsu injected energy into the attack.
Sulemana almost made an instant impact with a dazzling run, but the Chad defence stood firm. Just as it seemed Ghana would leave with all three points, Chad produced a late moment of brilliance.
With a minute left of normal time, 23-year-old Ecua capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire past Asare, sparking wild celebrations at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. The result means Ghana missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of Group I.
The Black Stars now sit on 16 points from seven matches, only narrowly ahead of their closest challengers.
They will hope to bounce back quickly when they host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, in another crucial qualifier that could determine their path to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
