The race for places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensified on Thursday across Africa as Ghana were stunned by a late Chad equaliser in N’Djamena, while Cameroon cruised past Eswatini to keep the pressure on Group D leaders Cape Verde.
Chad Shock Black Stars with Dramatic Late Strike
The Black Stars of Ghana looked set to tighten their grip at the top of Group I after Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike put them ahead. The Crystal Palace forward capitalised on a well-worked move to slot home from close range, and for much of the game it seemed enough to seal victory.
But Ghana’s wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them. Antoine Semenyo dragged wide when put through, and Mohammed Kudus blazed over in the second half.
Chad, cheered on by a packed Stade Idriss Mahamat Ouya, grew in belief as the minutes ticked away. Their persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute, when Celestin Ecua surged forward and fired from the edge of the box, his effort taking a wicked deflection to leave goalkeeper Benjamin Asare helpless.
The stadium erupted as the Central Africans celebrated a famous result, one that dents Ghana’s momentum but still leaves them top of the group.
Group I Update
Despite the dropped points, Ghana remain three points clear at the summit thanks to other results later in the day.
- Madagascar moved up to second place after a 2-0 victory over Central African Republic.
- Mali revived their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win against Comoros, putting them just a point further behind.
Only group winners will automatically qualify for the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next year, meaning every dropped point could prove decisive.
