Ghana vs Chad World Cup Qualifiers, Head coach Otto Addo Blames Pitch for 1 1 Draw as Ghanaians call for his dismissal.
Ghana Black Stars Held to 1-1 Draw by Chad in World Cup Qualifier
In a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match on September 4, 2025, Ghana’s Black Stars were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena. The Black Stars took an early lead in the 17th minute through a tap-in by captain Jordan Ayew, raising hopes of a crucial victory to solidify their lead in Group I. However, Chad’s Celestin Ecua stunned the visitors with a powerful left-footed strike in the 89th minute, which deflected past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd. The result has left Ghanaian fans frustrated, as the team missed a chance to widen their lead in the qualification race for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ghana vs Chad World Cup Qualifiers: Otto Addo Blames Pitch for 1 1 Draw
Otto Addo Points to Poor Pitch Conditions as Key Factor
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, attributed the draw to the substandard pitch conditions at the Stade Olympique. Describing the artificial turf as “like concrete” and inadequately watered, Addo noted that the slow surface hindered Ghana’s ability to play their usual fast-paced game. “The pitch was not watered, and we couldn’t play fast. It made it very difficult to outplay their defensive line,” Addo said in his post-match press conference. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, including three or four clear chances, the Black Stars failed to convert, which Addo lamented as a critical missed opportunity. He congratulated Chad for their resilience but expressed disappointment at the outcome.
Fan Backlash and Calls for Otto Addo’s Dismissal
The draw has intensified scrutiny on Otto Addo, with many Ghanaian fans taking to social media to demand his dismissal. Supporters argue that the 1-1 result against a lower-ranked Chad side, who sit at the bottom of Group I, represents a missed opportunity for Ghana to secure a stronger position in their World Cup qualification campaign. Despite Ghana’s dominance in possession and shot attempts, the late equalizer has fueled criticism that Addo’s tactics and squad selection need reevaluation. With Ghana still leading Group I with 16 points, the upcoming match against Mali in Accra on September 8 will be pivotal in restoring fan confidence and keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
What’s Next for the Black Stars in World Cup Qualifiers?
Despite the setback, Otto Addo remains focused on the future, urging his team to move past the Chad draw and prepare for Mali. “We have to forget about this game and focus on beating Mali,” he stated, emphasizing Ghana’s strong position in Group I. The Black Stars, who previously defeated Chad 5-0 in Accra in March 2025, will aim to leverage home support at the Accra Sports Stadium to secure three points. Ghana Trends Media will continue to provide live updates and exclusive coverage on Ghana football, the Black Stars’ World Cup journey, and Otto Addo’s leadership. Stay tuned for the latest sports trends and analysis.
