Chad celebrated a landmark result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after snatching a dramatic late equaliser to earn their first point of the campaign against four-time African champions Ghana.
The result, secured in the 90th minute through Celestine Ecua’s deflected strike, ended a run of six consecutive defeats for Chad and gave home fans plenty to cheer in their first competitive international hosted on home soil in six years.
Despite Ghana’s strong form coming into the clash — with four straight wins under coach Otto Addo — the Black Stars failed to make their dominance count. Jordan Ayew had given the visitors a 12th-minute lead, finishing off a square pass from Mohammed Kudus. But Ghana wasted numerous chances to seal the game.
Antoine Semenyo missed a golden one-on-one opportunity, while Kudus curled a spectacular effort just inches wide. Those misses proved costly, as Chad grew in confidence before Ecua’s late strike, which took a deflection off Caleb Yirenkyi, leveled the match.
The draw was met with jubilant celebrations by the home crowd, who had waited years to see their national team play in N’Djamena again.
For Ghana, the result represents a stumble in their push to cement top spot in Group I, with their next fixture against Mali on September 8 now carrying added pressure.
Chad, on the other hand, will see the draw as a historic turning point in their qualifying journey and a symbol of progress after years of setbacks.
