Late strike denies Ghana victory as Chad snatch dramatic point

Chad stunned Ghana with a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw in African qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sport360NG reports.

Jordan Ayew’s close-range finish in the first half seemed enough to secure the Black Stars a sixth win in seven games and stretch their lead in Group I. But with just a minute of normal time remaining, Celestin Ecua surged forward and unleashed a strike from the edge of the area that deflected past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, sparking wild celebrations in N’Djamena.

Ghana had created enough opportunities to wrap up the contest earlier, with Antoine Semenyo firing over just before the break and Mohammed Kudus dragging an effort wide midway through the second half.

Despite the setback, the Black Stars stay four points clear at the top of the group, though their advantage could be reduced later on Thursday when Madagascar face Central African Republic and Comoros travel to Mali. Only the nine group winners across Africa will qualify automatically for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ayew had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, ghosting into space inside the six-yard box to convert Kudus’ cut-back. Chad, who had rarely threatened, grew in confidence late on as Franky Tchaouna forced Asare into a save following a defensive lapse by Gideon Mensah. The pressure eventually told when Ecua was given time to shoot and his deflected effort secured Chad’s first point of the campaign after six straight defeats.

The draw leaves Ghana under pressure to respond in their next qualifier at home to Mali on Monday.