2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Black Stars eye redemption in must-win clash against Chad

Otto Addo faces a defining moment in his second stint as Black Stars head coach as Ghana take on Chad in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium tonight.

With national pride at stake, the under-fire manager knows that anything short of victory will deepen the crisis surrounding the team, following their embarrassing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The wounds from Ghana’s disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign remain fresh. A bottom-placed finish in Group F and an embarrassing six-game winless streak left the nation in dismay, with supporters voicing their frustration in the strongest terms.

Even President John Dramani Mahama echoed public sentiment when he met the squad midweek, urging them to put the AFCON failure behind them and set their sights on World Cup qualification.

High-stakes clash

This match presents an opportunity for the Black Stars to begin making amends. Madagascar's emphatic 4-1 win over the Central African Republic last Wednesday has left Group I wide open, with Ghana level on nine points with Comoros but sitting in second place on goal difference.

A victory today could see Otto Addo’s side seize the initiative and move top of the table, keeping their qualification campaign on track.

On paper, Chad should pose little threat. They languish at the bottom of the group with no points, having conceded nine goals while managing just one in return.

Their struggles extend beyond this campaign—they have gone 11 games across all competitions without a win. The Les Sao’s last outings saw them lose to Mali and Madagascar, and last year, they suffered defeats to the Central African Republic (1-0) and Comoros (2-0).

However, Ghana must be wary of complacency, particularly after their shock 2-1 defeat to Niger at this very venue in last year’s AFCON qualifiers.

Game of contrasts

Coach Tahir Gadia’s Chad side may lack star power, but they could take inspiration from defensively disciplined underdogs who have upset bigger teams in the past. Expect them to sit deep, absorb pressure and look to exploit lapses by the Ghanaian side through their key players—Allarabaye Yves, Mahamat Maintah, Abdoulaye Mahamat and Mahamat Abakar.

For Coach Otto Addo, the onus is on his team to dictate the tempo and break down a resilient opponent. The return of star midfielder Thomas Partey is a major boost, offering leadership and midfield control, while Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams and the team’s leading scorer Jordan Ayew will be tasked with unlocking Chad’s defence. 

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo arrives in fine form, adding an extra dimension to Ghana’s attacking options.

Ghana’s preparations have been hampered by injuries, with as many as 12 key players unavailable.

However, the return of talented Southampton forward Kamaldeen Sulemana and centre-back Mohammed Salisu of AS Monaco strengthens the squad, giving the Black Stars additional quality in wide areas and central defence.

For President Mahama, today’s match presents the team with the ultimate redemption mission and has urged players to bring the national team the same dedication and commitment they show at their respective clubs.

He said that overcoming Chad and Madagascar in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers potentially would earn the team forgiveness from Ghanaians for their disappointing 2025 AFCON qualification fiasco.

“It takes sacrifice, it takes strength. We all enjoy watching you play for your clubs, and we expect you to bring that same level of dedication to the national team,” President Mahama said, reminding the players that while Ghanaians passionately support the team, their success depends on their dedication and sacrifice during matches.

New leader

A significant talking point ahead of this fixture has been the captaincy change. Otto Addo has handed leadership duties to Ayew, with Partey quietly relieved of the armband amid speculation over his long-term commitment to the national team.

This decision underscores Coach Otto Addo’s intent to refresh the squad’s mentality and inject renewed purpose into the campaign.

Ayew, a seasoned campaigner with the experience of two World Cup campaigns in 2014 and 2022, has vowed to lead by example and deliver a performance that will restore Ghana’s pride.

Skipper Ayew assured President John Mahama that the Black Stars would turn things around against Chad today and progress in the qualifying campaign.

“It’s a big sign that you’re here supporting us. We know we’re in a tough situation, but we’re not afraid. We will turn things around on Friday. So you can relax. We’ll do the job for the nation,” assured Ayew, who is set to make his 100th appearance for Ghana today.

With the World Cup dream hanging in the balance, the Black Stars cannot afford another slip-up.

Their superior quality, home advantage, and hunger to redeem themselves should see them secure a convincing victory.

However, they must approach this game with intensity and precision. Anything less than three points would not only dent their qualification hopes but further strain their already fragile relationship with their supporters.