Ghana’s Black Stars will leave no space for error when they meet Les Sao of Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
On Wednesday, Madagascar defeated the Central African Republic 4-1 to take the lead in Group I with 10 points, while Ghana is currently third with nine points, having played a game less.
The Comoros are second with nine points, Mali is fourth with five points, and Chad is last with zero points after four matches.
The 2026 World Cup qualification has become even more crucial to the Black Stars, especially after they missed out on qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars, despite not being able to win a match in the last eight matches, would be firm favourites to secure all three points against a Chad side that has shipped in nine goals in four matches.
Chad’s form has been destituted, as they have failed to win a game in their last 11 matches, having lost six and drawn five matches.
Ghana coach Otto Addo, who led the Black Stars to a disastrous 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, will be hoping to rejuvenate their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico
Team news
The Black Stars of Ghana have been boosted with the return of two key players, Thomas Partey and Antoine Semenyo, who missed out on the last AFCON qualifiers due to injuries.
Ghana would also miss seven key players due to injury, and they include Alidu Seidu, Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, Baba Iddrisu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Kofi Kyereh and goalkeeper Manaf Nurudden.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare also received his maiden call-up with many local fans urging Ghana coach Otto Addo to start him in post against Chad.
However, Lawrence Ati-Zigi is still the first-choice goalkeeper and could be in between the sticks for the Black Stars.
Chad coach Tahir Gardia has had a long time to prepare for this match and even moved to Ghana earlier than expected, with most of their players plying their trade on the African continent.
Coach Tahir would have a full complement of his side and would be aiming to upset the odds by defeating the four-time AFCON champions.
Probable Ghana starting lineup: Ati-Zigi (GK) Mensah, Schindler, Djiku, Salisu, Owusu, Partey, Inaki, Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Semenyo
Probable Chad Starting Lineup: Jourdain (GK); Abderamane, Felix, Abakar, Allaramadji; Maintah, Allarabaye Yves, Lingar, Abderamane; Yannick, Goukoui
Kick Off Time: 19:00 GMT
Prediction: Ghana 5 – 0 Chad
GNA
