The Black Stars missed a golden opportunity to go six points clear in Group l of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after conceding a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Chad on Thursday.

Ghana looked on course for a fifth consecutive win in the campaign when Jordan Ayew converted from close range in the 12th minute, finishing off a clever cutback from Mohammed Kudus.

But despite the early breakthrough, Otto Addo’s men failed to maintain control of the match and were left to rue a host of missed chances. Antoine Semenyo squandered a one-on-one opportunity, blasting over the bar, while Kudus came agonisingly close with a curling effort that whistled just wide.

The Black Stars’ wastefulness proved costly. In the final minute of regulation time, Celestine Ecua drove unchallenged through midfield before unleashing a shot that deflected off defender Caleb Yirenkyi and wrong-footed the goalkeeper to draw Chad level.

The equaliser handed Chad their first point of the qualifiers after six straight defeats and marked a memorable return to hosting international football on home soil for the first time in six years.

For Ghana, the result was a major setback in their quest to tighten their grip at the top of the group. The Black Stars now turn their attention to their next fixture against Mali on September 8, where they will be under pressure to bounce back to winning ways.

Source: TheDotNews