Chad’s national football team is in turmoil just days before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana, with three key players withdrawing from the squad and uncertainty surrounding the team’s leadership.
Already reeling from the departure of star forward Marius Mouandilmadji, the team has now suffered another blow with Amine Hiver, Amed Ngouyamsa, and Éric Mbangossoum announcing their temporary withdrawal from international duty.
Player Withdrawals Due to ‘Lack of Organization’
Ngouyamsa and Mbangossoum have cited poor organization and lack of professionalism within the Chadian Football Association Federation (FTFA) as their reasons for stepping away from the team. Their decision further compounds the instability in the squad, which has been left without a head coach following the departure of Kevin Nicaise.
This crisis comes at the worst possible time for Chad, who are bottom of their World Cup qualifying group with zero points and now face an uphill task in their upcoming fixtures.
Tough Matches Against Ghana and Comoros Await
The Chadian team must now regroup as they prepare for a daunting trip to face Ghana, who are undergoing a period of rebuilding after their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Black Stars have bolstered their technical staff with the appointment of Winfried Schäfer as a technical advisor to head coach Otto Addo, adding further tactical depth to their preparations.
After facing Ghana, Chad will travel to the Comoros, a team known for its strong performances at home. With their squad significantly weakened and no clear leadership in place, Chad risks being completely outpaced in a competitive qualification group.
Chad at Risk of Falling Further Behind
Chad’s World Cup qualifying campaign is already in jeopardy, and the latest crisis could leave them even further adrift. The group also features Mali (5 points), the Central African Republic (4 points), and Comoros (3 points), all of whom remain in contention for a qualification spot.
The Central African Republic recently strengthened their squad by appointing former Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, while Mali is looking to bounce back from recent setbacks. Without a coach, a clear tactical direction, and some of their best players, Chad risks being completely left behind in the race.
Urgent Solutions Needed to Avoid Disaster
With Chad’s World Cup qualifying hopes fading fast, the FTFA must act quickly to stabilize the situation and restore confidence in the squad. Rebuilding trust among the players, appointing a coach, and addressing the concerns of poor organization will be crucial in ensuring that Chad can compete at a respectable level in the remaining matches.
For now, however, Chad heads into their match against Ghana in crisis, with their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
