Ghana resumes its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a crucial clash against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
The Black Stars will be eager to claim all three points as they look to strengthen their position in Group I, while Chad, currently bottom of the standings, hopes to secure their first win of the qualifiers.
Match Preview
Otto Addo’s side comes into this fixture with a mixed record in recent competitions. Ghana endured a frustrating 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, failing to register a single win and finishing bottom of their group. They also missed out on a CHAN 2025 spot after a 3-1 aggregate loss to Nigeria in December.
However, despite their struggles in other competitions, the Black Stars have been solid in the World Cup qualifiers, winning three of their four matches. Victories over Madagascar, Mali, and the Central African Republic have kept them in the race, with only a narrow 1-0 loss to Comoros denting their campaign.
Meanwhile, Chad has had a dismal run, losing all four of their qualifying matches and scoring just one goal while conceding nine. Their last competitive win came in 2022, and they have since endured an 11-match winless streak. Coach Tahir Gardia’s side will need a major turnaround to pose a threat to Ghana.
Team News
Ghana welcomes back Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who returns after a six-month injury absence. The 31-year-old midfielder headlines a strong 23-man squad, including Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, and Mohammed Salisu. Otto Addo has also handed Genk winger Christopher Bonsu Baah his first senior call-up, while three local-based players—Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), and Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak)—are included.
Chad’s squad consists largely of domestic-based players, with AS PS contributing 14 members. Only two players—goalkeeper Mbaynaissem Jourdain (Tajikistan) and midfielder Mahamat Thiam Maintah (Spain)—play abroad.
Possible Lineups
Ghana:
Zigi; Mensah, Djiku, Salisu, Opoku; Partey, Owusu; Semenyo, Kudus, Williams; Ayew
Chad:
Jourdain; Abderamane, Felix, H Abakar, Allaramadji; Maintah, Allarabaye, Lingar, Abderamane; Yannick, Goukoui
Prediction
Ghana will be overwhelming favorites against an inexperienced Chad side that has struggled throughout the qualifiers. With superior squad depth and home advantage, the Black Stars should secure a comfortable win.
Prediction: Ghana 3-0 Chad
Kickoff Time & Venue
The match will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 19:00 (7:00 pm)
