- Jordan Ayew etched his name into the history books with a unique achievement with the Black Stars
- An ex-Ghana youth international has warned the Black Stars ahead of the critical Ghana vs. Mali World Cup CAF Group I qualifier
- Otto Addo’s Black Stars dropped crucial points in their previous encounter against Chad in N’Djamena
Jordan Ayew has equalled a historic feat for the Black Stars of Ghana after the national team’s draw with Chad in CAF World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, September 4.
Otto Addo’s men were looking to boost their qualification aspirations but were brought back down to earth as they were held to a 1–1 stalemate away to Chad in their CAF World Cup qualifying match in N’Djamena.
Source: Getty Images
Under the scorching heat at the newly opened Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, Ghana initially took charge, skipper Jordan Ayew, coolly tapping in from close range in the 17th minute, finishing off a slick move and low cross from Mohammed Kudus to give the Black Stars the lead and a seemingly comfortable start, accordign to Flashscore.
For long periods, the four-time World Cup participants dictated the tempo and created the better openings, but lacked the cutting edge to double their lead. As the match wore on, Chad grew bolder and increasingly physical, pushing Ghana to defend deeper.
Les Sao’s perseverance paid dividends late on when substitute Célestin Ecua pounced after received a well-weighted pass, deftly manoeuvred past several defenders before unleashing a precise strike beyond Ghana’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the 89th minute.
The stadium erupted as Chad notched their first ever point in this qualifying campaign. Despite the setback, Ghana remain top of Group I, although Comoros and Madagascar remain in close pursuit, keeping the race for automatic qualification finely poised.
Jordan makes Black Stars history
Beyond his strike, Ayew reached a unique milestone, becoming just the second man to captain Ghana from a second-tier club. Remarkably, the first was his brother Andre, who wore the armband while turning out for Swansea in the English Championship between 2019 and 2021.
The son of the legendary Abedi Ayew is currently featuring in the Championship after Leicester City’s drop from the Premier League last season.
Jordan had worn the armband for Ghana before, though at the time he was playing for top-flight clubs in leagues like the Premier League.
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Ayew and the Black Stars return to Accra Sports Stadium on Monday for a pivotal Group I clash against Mali in their quest for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification, according to the Ghana FA.
The Black Stars sit atop the table with a haul of 16 points after seven games, three clear of Madagascar and four ahead of the Eagles of Mali, underscoring the importance of securing home advantage with a strong performance at this stage.
The Ghanaians defeated Mali 2-1 in Bamako in June 24 during Matchday Three, with Ernest Appiah Nuamah and Jordan Ayew getting the goals for Otto Addo’s charges.
With Group I beginning to tighten and Mali buoyed by their emphatic win over Comoros, Monday’s West African showdown promises to be a tense encounter.
Fuseini Adams warns Black Stars
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, former Ghana Black Starlets defender Fuseini Adams cautioned the Black Stars against any form of complacency ahead of the crucial clash.
“This is not the time to relax or underestimate any opponent. Every team in the qualifiers is hungry, and Ghana must approach the game with total focus and discipline if they want to secure qualification.”
2026 World Cup: List of qualifed teams
YEN.com.gh earlier looked at all the countries that have booked their place for next year’s World Cup, set to take place across three countries: Canada, USA, and Mexico.
The list is topped by reigning world champions Argentina, who triumphed over France 4–2 on penalties after a pulsating 3–3 draw in the Qatar final, where Kylian Mbappé produced a memorable hat-trick.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
