Célestin Ecua scores late as Chad Holds Ghana to a Dramatic 1-1 Draw in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
In a stunning turn of events at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, Chad’s national football team, Les Sao, secured their first point in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against group leaders Ghana on Matchday 7.
The result marked a significant moment for Chad, who have endured a challenging campaign, while Ghana’s Black Stars were left frustrated as their qualification hopes were delayed.
The match, played in front of a passionate crowd in N’Djamena, saw Ghana, boasting a formidable record of 15 points from six matches, enter as heavy favorites. The Black Stars, led by coach Otto Addo, fielded a strong lineup featuring stars like Thomas Partey, Anthoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, and Jordan Ayew, who had previously dismantled Chad 5-0 in their previous encounter.
Chad, on the other hand, were still searching for their first point after six consecutive defeats, having scored just one goal in the qualifiers prior to this match.
The first half saw Ghana dominate possession, with their potent attack averaging 2.5 goals per game probing Chad’s defense.
The breakthrough came early in 17th minute when Ghana’s pressure paid off. A well-worked move saw Mohammed Kudus set up Jordan Ayew, who fired a clinical shot past Chad’s goalkeeper to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Les Sao, under the guidance of coach Tahir Zakaria Gardia, relied on a compact defensive structure, with captain N’Douassel and midfielder Ahmat Abderamane working tirelessly to keep Ghana at bay.
The goal seemed to signal another comfortable victory for Ghana, who continued to press for a second however, Chad refused to capitulate.
In the dying moments of the match, a moment of brilliance changed the narrative, Célestin Ecua, receiving a precise pass from Eric Mbangossoum, showcased remarkable skill, weaving past three Ghanaian defenders before unleashing a shot from just outside the penalty area, the ball took a slight deflection off a Ghanaian defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the net.
The stadium erupted as Chad celebrated their equalizer, securing a historic point.
The late equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the home fans, marking a rare high point in Chad’s otherwise difficult campaign.
“This is a proud moment for us,” said coach Gardia post-match. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best, and this point is for our fans who believed in us.” Ecua’s goal, described as an “outstanding individual play,” was the highlight of the match, earning praise for its composure and execution.
Ghana’s camp, however, was left reeling. “We’re disappointed to drop points,” admitted coach Otto Addo. “We had the game under control, but a lapse in concentration cost us. We’ll regroup and focus on the next match.”
For Chad, the draw represents a morale-boosting achievement. Despite their elimination from World Cup contention, the result against a powerhouse like Ghana signals progress, especially after a narrow 1-0 loss to Comoros and a goalless draw against Kenya in recent outings. The team’s defensive improvement was evident, though their attack remains a work in progress, with only two goals scored in seven qualifier matches.
Ghana, still leading Group I with 15 points, missed an opportunity to secure their World Cup spot. With Comoros trailing by just three points, the Black Stars must maintain focus to ensure qualification. Their potent attack, led by players like Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus, will be key in upcoming matches, but the defensive lapse that allowed Chad’s goal will likely prompt tactical adjustments.
Leave a Comment