- Two senior Black Stars players have been ruled out of Ghana’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against 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
Ghana will be without two key players when they take on Chad in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Black Stars will travel to the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno for the seventh round of CAF’s qualifying series, with both nations experiencing very different campaigns.
Source: Twitter
Otto Addo’s men sit at the summit of Group I and are firmly on track for a place at the 2026 World Cup, while Chad are already out of contention after a miserable run of results.
Les Sao’s qualifying journey has gone as expected, suffering six defeats from six games without collecting a single point.
They have struggled across the pitch, scoring just once in the entire campaign and conceding 15 goals at the other end.
The gulf in quality has been clear, with Chad consistently outmatched by every opponent they have faced.
However, the hosts will take some encouragement from the news that Ghana will be missing two of their important figures.
Centre-back Alexander Djiku and winger Joseph Paintsil have both failed to make the trip for different reasons, slightly reducing the strength of the Black Stars’ squad heading into the clash.
Source: Getty Images
A statement on Ghana FA’s website reads:
“Alxander Djiku and Joseph Paintsil will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad but will be available for the clash against Mali. The two players, who were named in the squad for the two games, could not make it to Accra before the team departed for N’Djamena.
Paintsil arrived in Accra this morning, having missed his connecting flight from New York to Accra due to a delayed departure from Los Angeles.
Alexander Djiku is in Moscow to sign a contract and will therefore arrive in Accra on Friday.
The technical team will work with 22 players for the game against Chad, scheduled for N’Djamena on Thursday, September 4, 2025.”
Despite these absences, Ghana remain heavy favourites and will be aiming for nothing less than maximum points to strengthen their grip on Group I and edge closer to sealing their ticket to the next World Cup.
The technical team will work with 22 players for the game against Chad, scheduled for N’Djamena on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The Black Stars have already arrived in N’Djamena, and will hold a mandatory training session on Wednesday at the match venue, followed by a press conference with head coach Otto Addo.
Later in the afternoon, the squad will return for their final training session to sharpen tactics and make last-minute adjustments ahead of Thursday’s showdown.
Ghana to face Mali on Monday
After the Chad game, the four-time African champions will then host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, 8 September 2025, as noted by Ghanafa.org.
These fixtures are crucial for Ghana as they seek to strengthen their position in Group I of the African qualifiers.
Otto Addo’s men sit at the top of Group I with 15 points from six matches, leaving them in a strong position to secure a fifth World Cup appearance.
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
Source: Yen.com.gh
