Ghana’s 2026 World Cup journey took an unexpected detour in N’Djamena, where the Black Stars surrendered a precious lead to draw 1-1 with Chad.

The evening had begun on a high note. Jordan Ayew, fed by a clever Mohammed Kudus pass, slotted home in the 17th minute to silence the crowd. From there, Ghana dictated play, creating chance after chance. Yet, as the minutes ticked away, their wastefulness came back to haunt them.

With just moments left, 23-year-old Celestin Ecua pierced through Ghana’s defence and struck a cruel equaliser. The final whistle felt like a gut punch—two points dropped, and a golden opportunity missed.

But the Black Stars don’t have time to sulk. A showdown with Mali looms large on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Eagles, fresh from an emphatic win over Comoros, arrive brimming with confidence.

Amid the frustration, however, comes a ray of hope: Alexander Djiku is back.

The 31-year-old defender, who recently sealed a move from Fenerbahçe to Spartak Moscow, missed the Chad game while finalising his transfer. His absence was deeply felt, as Ghana’s backline of Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey struggled to keep their shape.

On September 5, Djiku checked into the team hotel in Accra, drawing smiles from teammates and fans alike. With 33 caps and years of leadership at the back, his return couldn’t be better timed.

History offers the Black Stars a reason to believe. Ghana has won three of their last five meetings with Mali, including a gutsy 2-1 comeback win in Bamako in June 2024—a match in which Djiku was instrumental.

Now, with three qualifiers left and two to be played on home soil, the dream of a fifth World Cup appearance remains alive. Monday night’s clash is more than just a game—it’s a chance to restore belief and reignite the Stars’ fire.