Otto Adddo leads the Black Stars for the eleventh competitive time in his second stint as Ghana head coach when they take on Chad during Matchday seven of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, September 4.
Addo, an ex-Ghana international midfielder, succeeded Chris Hughton in March of last year following Ghana’s disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign that saw the Ghanaian team fail to register a single win in Ivory Coast, losing one game and drawing two.
Source: Getty Images
Guided by the former Borussia Dortmund player-turned-coach, the four-time winners of Africa’s top tournament suffered one of their darkest moments, failing to book a place at this year’s AFCON.
The team endured a disastrous qualifying campaign, failing to win a single game in six matches. Ghana suffered home defeats to both Angola and Niger, while managing only draws against the same opponents on the road.
The national side also drew at home with Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan, who had went ahead to hand the Black Stars a 2-0 defeat in a highly anticipated clash held on neutral ground in Libya.
Ghana’s World Cup qualification chances
After the heartbreak of missing an AFCON for the first time in 20 years, the Black Stars are fired up to make amends by booking their place at next year’s World Cup.
According to One Football, Ghana now leads CAF Qualifying Group 1 with 15 points from six games, just three ahead of Comoros, who have played the same number of matches.
On March 21, the Black Stars crushed Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium, then followed it up with a 3-0 road win over Madagascar three days later, with five Ghanaian players shining across the two matches.
With momentum on their side, Otto Addo and the Black Stars look to continue their run against Chad on Thursday, September 4, in N’Djamena as Thomas Partey, curently involved in a court case in England, is expected to still feature.
Predicted Ghana starting lineup vs. Chad
Here’s how the Black Stars of Ghana could line up against Les Sao of Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter, with Otto Addo having to work with 22 players, according to the Ghana FA.
Goalkeeper: Benjamin Asare
The last line of defense, Hearts of Oak’s Asare will be expected to command his area, organize the backline, and keep the Black Stars in the game with crucial saves.
Full-backs: Tariq Lamptey, Gideon Mensah
Both full-backs bring pace and attacking intent, with Lamptey’s overlapping runs and Mensah’s defensive solidity likely to be key in controlling Chad’s wide threats.
Center-backs: Jerome Opoku, Mohammed Salisu
With Alexander Djiku injured and unavailable, this pairing forms the heart of Ghana’s defense for Thursday’s clash. Salisu’s aerial dominance and Opoku’s composure on the ball will be vital in nullifying Chad’s forwards.
Midfielders: Ibrahim Sulemana, Thomas Partey
Sulemana offers energy and ball-winning skills, while Villarreal’s new midfielde maestro Partey’s experience and vision will drive the tempo, linking defense and attack effectively.
Attackers
Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo are expected to form the Black Stars’ offensive quartet.
A dynamic forward line, combining speed, creativity, and finishing ability. Tottenham’s Kudus and Athletic Bilbao’s skipper Williams will look to exploit spaces, while captain Ayew and in-form Bournemouth hitman Semenyo would be tasked to provide leadership and clinical edge in front of goal.
Djiku, Paintsil ruled out
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on the injuries of defender Alexander Djiku and winger Joseph Paintsil, with the duo officially ruled out of Thursday’s clash in N’Djamena.
However, with a strong squad and plenty of options at his disposal, Otto Addo is expected to ensure that the Black Stars do not suffer from the absence of key players.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
