2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Black Stars Put Training Touches on Training Ahead of Chad Tie

• The Black Stars of Ghana have finalised their preparations for their upcoming match encounter Chad
• Ghana sit top of Group I and remain on course for World Cup qualification, while Chad are already eliminated after six straight defeats
• Les Sao have managed just one goal and conceded 15 across the qualifiers, highlighting the gulf in quality between both sides

The Black Stars have wrapped up their preparations ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad.

The match will be staged at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena, with the two teams heading into the clash under very different circumstances.

Ghana, led by Otto Addo, sit at the top of Group I and remain firmly in control of their qualification campaign, while Chad have already been eliminated after a string of poor results.

Determined to secure another vital victory, the Black Stars have been taking their training seriously, holding sessions at the Accra Sports Stadium before flying out to N’Djamena.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the team had their final training run at the match venue to fine-tune tactics and build confidence ahead of kickoff, per Ghanasoccernet.

With preparations complete, Otto Addo and his men are now fully focused on delivering three points against Chad as they edge closer to a return to the World Cup.

Watch photos of Black Stars last training below:

The Black Stars will have 22 out of the 24 invited players available for Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Chad.

The squad includes Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Osman, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jerry Afriyie, Joseph Anang, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Salis Samed, Mohammed Salisu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Kudus, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, and Caleb Yirenkyi.

Why Djiku and Paintsil will miss Chad game

However, centre-back Alexander Djiku and winger Joseph Paintsil will miss the fixture.

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A statement from the Ghana FA confirmed that both players, named in the squad for the September qualifiers, could not link up with the team before departure to N’Djamena.

Paintsil missed his connecting flight from New York after a delay in Los Angeles, eventually arriving in Accra too late to join the squad. Djiku, meanwhile, is in Moscow finalising a new contract and is expected in Ghana by Friday.

The GFA statement added:

“Alexander Djiku and Joseph Paintsil will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad but will be available for the clash against Mali. The technical team will work with 22 players for the game against Chad, scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025.”

Despite the absences, Otto Addo’s men remain strong favourites to claim maximum points.

Ghana currently sit atop Group I and will be aiming to tighten their grip on qualification with victory at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, where kickoff is set for 1 pm.

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Black Stars hold first training session in Accra

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Black Stars of Ghana held their first training session on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Six outfield players and three goalkeepers reported for the first session, under the supervision of coach Otto Addo.

Source: YEN.com.gh