Ghana significantly bolstered their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by delivering a stunning 5-0 victory over Chad in a Group I qualifier held in Accra on March 21, 2025. The Black Stars showcased their dominance from the outset, making the most of home advantage and setting the tone for an outstanding display.
Right from the first whistle, Ghana pressed Chad aggressively and opened the scoring just two minutes into the match. Antoine Semenyo capitalized on a scramble in the box to find the back of the net. The early goal not only energized the hosts but also put Chad on the back foot from the very beginning.
Despite Ghana's early advantage, it wasn't without its moments of anxiety as Jordan Ayew missed a golden opportunity to double the lead shortly after. Ayew's miss, however, merely delayed the inevitable. Inaki Williams, fulfilling a promise made before the match, harnessed a precise cross to head Ghana into a 2-0 lead in the 31st minute. Just five minutes before halftime, Jordan Ayew converted a penalty kick after Semenyo was brought down in the box, solidifying a 3-0 lead going into the break. Remarkably, Ghana restricted Chad to zero shots on target throughout the first half, illustrating their defensive fortitude.
As the game resumed, Ghana continued where they left off. Mohammed Salisu extended the lead in the 57th minute with a header from an Ernest Nuamah corner. The Dumfries defensive player’s goal was a testament to Ghana's all-around dominance on the pitch. Nuamah then marked his own name on the score sheet in the 68th minute, finishing a slick team move with a clinical low strike following a clever backheel assist from Ayew.
Coach Otto Addo took the opportunity to introduce some fresh legs, deploying Kamaldeen Sulemana, Francis Abu, Jerome Opoku, Jerry Afriyie, and debutant Lawrence Agyekum to keep the momentum going. Despite several missed chances, including near misses from Afriyie and Mohammed Kudus, the score remained 5-0, marking Ghana's first five-goal haul since a 2020 friendly match against Qatar. This emphatic win not only boosts the team's confidence following a dismal failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but also sets a hopeful tone for their World Cup campaign ahead.
Meanwhile, in a simultaneous fixture, the African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, managed a harder-fought victory, edging out Burundi 1-0 at home. They were able to secure the win thanks to a solitary strike by Evann Guessand in the 16th minute. Despite being the reigning champions, Cote d’Ivoire found the match to be a tightly contested battle against a resilient Burundian side.
The Elephants struggled to find rhythm throughout the match, relying heavily on Guessand's early goal to maintain their lead. Although they had opportunities to extend their advantage, the offensive efforts were thwarted by a stern defensive setup from Burundi. Cote d’Ivoire now sits atop Group F, holding just a one-point lead over Gabon, who are breathing down their necks after a crucial win over Seychelles.
Looking ahead, Ghana is set to face Madagascar on March 24, 2025, in Morocco—a match that is crucial for their aspirations of securing a place in the World Cup next year. The tactical lessons learned and the team dynamics forged during the victory over Chad will likely invigorate their preparations for this upcoming clash.
In review, both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire’s performances in the qualifiers highlight the fierce competition for places in the World Cup. While Ghana’s emphatic win restores faith in their capabilities, Cote d’Ivoire’s laborious victory underlines the challenges that come with expectations as defending champions. This upcoming cycle of qualifiers promises to be an exciting journey for both nations as they chase their respective footballing dreams.
