Ghana’s hopes of cruising through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers hit a snag on Thursday as the Black Stars were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw by Chad.
Head coach Otto Addo has pointed fingers at the pitch conditions at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, describing them as a major obstacle to his team’s performance.
Jordan Ayew gave Ghana an early lead in the 17th minute, converting a slick pass from Mohammed Kudus to mark the first goal scored at the newly renovated stadium in six years. But the celebration was short-lived.
In the dying moments of the match, Chad’s Celestin Ecua unleashed a powerful strike that deflected past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Addo didn’t mince words about the playing surface. “The pitch was not watered, and we couldn’t play fast,” he said. “It’s a disadvantage for us because, in Europe, most of the pitches are watered, so the ball moves quicker. Here, the pitch was slow, and it made it very difficult for us to outplay their defensive line”.
The coach had already voiced concerns ahead of the match, calling the artificial turf “concrete-like” and questioning how it had been approved for an international fixture. “It’s very, very hard for the players; it’s like playing on concrete,” Addo lamented.
Despite creating several chances, including clear opportunities for Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus, Ghana failed to capitalize. “We needed that second goal. In football, if you don’t take your chances, you only get punished once, and that’s what happened,” Addo added.
Ghana remains top of Group I with 16 points following the draw, but the gap has narrowed. Madagascar’s 2–0 triumph lifts them to 13 points, while both Mali and Comoros trail closely behind with 12 points each.
While the Black Stars remain in control of their destiny, the result has sparked backlash from fans online, with many criticizing the team’s lackluster display and questioning the tactical decisions made by the coaching staff.
Ghana’s next fixture is a crucial home clash against Mali on September 8, where the team will look to bounce back and reaffirm their dominance in the group.
Story written by Adzadu Bright Eden Kobby Kyei News.
