Celestine Ekua scored late to deny Ghana all the points in a Matchday 7 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Jordan Ayew had scored in the first half to give Ghana a deserved lead, but the hosts fought back to wrestle a point – their first draw in the qualifying campaign.

The Leicester City forward latched onto a cross from Mohammed Kudus and planted the ball into the back of the net inside 17 minutes. However, the Black Stars failed to add to their tally, allowing Chad to get back into the game.

Ekua picked up a ball from midfield, weaved his way through the defense, and his shot deflected into the net for the equalizer in the 90th minute.

Ghana started with Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku in central defense, with Benjamin Asare in goal. Gideon Mensah and Caleb Yirenkyi operated as full-backs. In midfield, Otto Addo paired Abdul Samed Salis and Elisha Owusu, while Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew formed a front three with Mohammed Kudus behind them.

After a 1-0 lead at the break, Mohammed Kudus came close in the 61st minute, but his shot missed the post by inches, much to the relief of the home fans.

Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo were replaced by Kamal Deen Sulemana and Christopher Bonsu Baah, while Jerry Afriyie took the place of Elisha Owusu in the closing stages. However, the substitutions did not yield the needed result, and the game ended 1-1.

The draw means the Black Stars will move to 16 points after seven matches, following five wins, one draw, and one loss. Ghana will host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.

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