Ghana stayed top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers despite being held to a 1–1 draw by Chad in N’Djamena on Thursday.
Jordan Ayew opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing calmly from Mohammed Kudus’ assist.
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The Leicester City striker’s sixth goal of the campaign kept him second on the CAF scoring chart, behind Gabon’s Denis Bouanga on eight.
The Black Stars controlled much of the first half, with Emmanuel Owusu receiving a yellow card as they slowed Chad’s rhythm and held their lead at the break.
Chad responded strongly after the restart, increasing their physicality and pressing higher.
Substitutes Aziz Tchaouana and Hamed Amine injected energy, forcing Ghana deeper.
Coach Otto Addo made tactical changes on 77 minutes, introducing Francis Bonsu Baah and Kamaldeen Sulemana, later replacing Kudus with Osman Ibrahim.
However, Ghana failed to convert late chances to seal victory.
Their missed opportunities proved costly in the 89th minute when substitute Celestin Ecua swept home from Mbangossoum’s pass, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Mbangossoum was booked in stoppage time as Chad held on for a morale-boosting point.
The draw leaves Ghana on 16 points, four ahead of Comoros and Mali, both on 12, with two matches remaining.
Elsewhere in Group I, Mali boosted their qualification hopes with a convincing 3–0 win over Comoros.
Goals from Doumbia, Camara, and Traoré moved Mali level on 12 points with Comoros.
Madagascar also kept pace, defeating Central African Republic 2–0.
Caddy struck in first-half stoppage time before Randrianantenaina doubled the lead in the 59th minute.
Victory lifted the Barea to 13 points, tightening the group’s race.
Ghana now prepares for a decisive home clash against Mali on September 8.
