BY Issah Olegor
The Ghana Black Stars will fly out of Accra on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, bound for N’Djamena, where they face Chad in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The trip marks another important step in Ghana’s quest to return to the world’s biggest football stage after missing out on the 2018 edition and suffering a disappointing group-stage exit at Qatar 2022.
Preparations in Accra
The Stars opened camp in Accra on Monday, with 12 players taking part in the first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Head coach Otto Addo, who has been tasked with reviving the global football ambitions, is expected to travel with the full complement of 24 players invited for the September qualifiers.
Several key squad members, who were yet to arrive on Monday, are expected to join in time for the trip.
As per FIFA and CAF regulations, the Black Stars will hold a mandatory training session at the match venue—the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno—on Wednesday, before the showdown with Chad on Thursday, September 4, at 1 p.m.
Group I Standings And Stakes
Ghana currently lead Group I with 15 points after six matches, positioning themselves as strong favorites to secure one of the continent’s prized World Cup tickets.
Behind them are Comoros (12 points), Madagascar (10), Mali (9), and the Central African Republic (5).
Chad, who are yet to record a point, sit at the bottom of the table and face elimination.
For the Black Stars, however, the equation is simple: victories in both September fixtures—against Chad away and Mali at home on September 8—would virtually seal their qualification to the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A Critical Road Ahead
The fixture against Chad is seen as a must-win, especially as the Stars will wrap up their qualification campaign in October with games against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
While Ghana remain in pole position, the margin for error is thin, given the competitive nature of the group.
Historical Context
The Black Stars are four-time African champions and have a proud World Cup history.
Their breakthrough came in 2006 when they qualified for Germany, followed by appearances in 2010—where they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa—and 2014 in Brazil.
However, their absence in 2018 and a disappointing early exit in Qatar 2022 left fans frustrated and questioning the team’s direction.
Otto Addo, who led the team during their 2022 qualification campaign, has been given renewed trust by the Ghana Football Association to guide the side through this cycle.
His tactical approach, coupled with a blend of youthful talent and experienced players, has so far delivered results, but the real test lies in these final rounds.
