2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Celestine Ecau strikes late as Chad hold Ghana to a 1-1 draw

The Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in their Matchday 7 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena.

Coach Otto Addo fielded an unfamiliar starting XI, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retaining his spot, while Abdul Salis Samed returned to the lineup. Caleb Yirenkyi and Jonas Adjitey made their senior team debuts.

Ghana started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute when Jordan Ayew finished off a precise cross from Mohammed Kudus. The Black Stars dominated possession for much of the first half, fending off occasional threats from the hosts. Chad came close to equalizing from a late first-half free kick, but the score remained 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw both teams sharing possession in the opening stages, with Ghana creating several opportunities to extend their lead. Kudus had a chance to set up Antoine Semenyo in the 18-yard box, and later his curling effort went wide, but Chad’s defence held firm.

Addo made changes in the 76th minute, introducing Christopher Bonsu Baah and Kamaldeen Sulemana for Semenyo and Inaki Williams. Sulemana nearly made an immediate impact, but his shot was saved. Ghana’s defence was tested again in the 82nd minute when Chad capitalized on a lapse from Gideon Mensah, but Asare made a crucial save to keep the lead intact.

With just four minutes remaining, Mohammed Kudus was replaced by Ibrahim Osman. However, Chad’s persistence paid off when Celestije Ecua found the net in the 88th minute to level the score at 1-1.

The draw leaves Ghana atop Group I with 16 points. The Black Stars are scheduled to return to Accra tonight ahead of their Matchday 8 clash against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.