Jordan Ayew etched his name into Ghana’s football history during the Black Stars’ hard-fought 1–1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the CAF World Cup qualifiers.

The Leicester City forward, currently playing in the English Championship, not only gave Ghana the lead with a composed 17th-minute finish from a Mohammed Kudus assist but also reached a unique milestone. Ayew became only the second player to captain the Black Stars while turning out for a Championship club — following in the footsteps of his elder brother, André Ayew, who once led the team while at Swansea City.

Despite Ayew’s early strike, Ghana failed to hold on. The Black Stars dictated much of the game at the scorching Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno but were punished late when substitute Célestin Ecua’s precise 89th-minute strike handed Chad their first-ever point in the qualifiers.

The result leaves Ghana still top of Group I with 16 points, though Comoros and Madagascar remain in striking distance, making the race to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico increasingly tense.

Focus turns to Mali clash

Attention now shifts to the Accra Sports Stadium, where Ghana hosts Mali on Monday in a pivotal Group I fixture. Otto Addo’s men know victory is crucial, especially with the Eagles of Mali sitting four points behind but buoyed by their emphatic win over Comoros.

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2–1 win for Ghana in Bamako, with Ernest Appiah Nuamah and Jordan Ayew on target. This time, with qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the stakes are even higher.

Former Black Starlets defender Fuseini Adams has warned Otto Addo’s charges to avoid complacency:

> “This is not the time to relax or underestimate any opponent. Every team in the qualifiers is hungry, and Ghana must approach the game with total focus and discipline if they want to secure qualification.”

With Ayew’s historic captaincy adding extra inspiration, Ghana will look to seize home advantage and edge closer to another World Cup appearance.