Ghana vs Chad 2026 World Cup Qualifier: Black Stars' Potential Starting Line-Up
- Ghana's Black Stars face Chad in a must-win World Cup qualifier on Friday, as they aim to close the gap in Group I
- The possible lineup of veteran coach Otto Addo would have experienced players like Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew
- President John Dramani Mahama visited the team on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium to give them inspiration
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Ghana Black Stars are aiming for a positive result when they face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, in what promises to be a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture.
Coach Otto Addo's men are currently third in their qualifying group I with nine points, one point behind leaders Madagascar with 10 points and tied with Comoros in second with nine points.
A win against Chad is essential to keep the Black Stars' hopes alive of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly after their disappointing result in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Source: Twitter
Coach Addo is likely to name a strong lineup that blends experience with youthful talent as Ghana seeks a 2026 World Cup spot.
Here is a breakdown of the likely starting XI for the Black Stars for Friday's game (March 21, 2025) at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana's likely starting lineup versus Chad
Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati-Zigi
St. Gallen's Lawrence Ati-Zigi is poised to start the Ghana vs Chad game. Playing his club football with Switzerland, he has been a consistent, reliable presence.
His impressive performances between the sticks in recent international games for the West African giants would likely have earned the trust of Coach Addo.
Ati-Zigi would be expected to utilise his excellent reflexes and superior shot-stopping abilities, qualities that will be vital to prevent conceding goals against Chad.
Right-back: Kingsley Schindler
At right-back, Otto Addo entrusted Kingsley Schindler with the role in the last game against Niger, a 1-2 home loss back in November last year, and the gaffer is likely to repeat the decision.
Schindler, who plays for Samsunspor in Turkey, is known for his solidity and stamina in defence. His ability to support the attack and provide stability will be key against Chad’s wingers.
Another important factor for his selection would be his overlapping runs down the right flank, with his precise crosses into the box able to create scoring chances for Ghana’s attackers.
Left-back: Gideon Mensah
The AJ Auxerre first-choice left-back would likely take up the same role for Ghana in their important World Cup qualifier today.
The 26-year-old defender would be expected to get forward and link the midfield, offering width to the team’s offensive play.
Mensah’s ability to support both the attacking line and the defence would make him an invaluable part of Ghana’s backline.
Center-back: Mohammed Salisu
Mohammed Salisu is expected to be one of the central defenders for Ghana in the WC qualifier against Les Sao.
He was part of Ghana's squad at the 2022 World Cup and has emerged as one of the most reliable centre-backs.
He is known for his strength, aerial ability, ability to make interceptions and his excellent reading of the game.
Salisu's partnership with Alexander Djiku will be essential to ensuring Ghana’s defence remains solid throughout.
Center-back: Alexander Djiku
Alongside Salisu, Alexander Djiku is the most likely figure to partner in central defense. The 30-year-old, who plays for Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in Turkey, is known for his excellent ball-playing ability, composure under pressure, and tactical intelligence.
Djiku brings a wealth of experience to the Black Stars, and his leadership in the heart of defence will be crucial in organising the backline. His ability to read the game and intercept passes is one of his standout qualities, making him a key figure in Addo's Ghana formation.
Midfield: Thomas Partey
Arsenal’s Thomas Partey is one of the most experienced and influential players in the Black Stars squad. Having established himself as a central figure in both club and international football, he is expected to anchor the midfield against Chad after missing out in the last games against Angola and Niger.
As the team's defensive midfielder, Partey’s role will be to shield the defence, break up opposition attacks, and dictate the tempo of the game. His passing range, vision, and ability to control the game make him a pivotal player for Ghana and Coach Addo admitted that he would be relying on the Arsenal star.
Midfield: Abu Francis
Abu Francis, a dynamic midfielder for Belgian side Cercle Brugge, is expected to feature alongside Thomas Partey in central midfield.
Francis is known for his box-to-box style of play, breaking up opposition attacks while also driving forward to support the attack.
His stamina and work rate are standout qualities, and he would likely be tasked with helping control the midfield game against Chad.
Francis’ technical ability and awareness make him an effective player in transition, with his work crucial in dictating Ghana’s rhythm.
Attacking Midfield: Mohammed Kudus
West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is set to play as the number 10 in Ghana’s attacking midfield.
One of the brightest talents in African football, he brings flair, creativity, and an eye for goals to the team.
His dribbling skills, vision, and ability to pick out key passes make him a dangerous weapon for Ghana.
Kudus’ ability to link up with the wingers and strikers while also contributing goals himself will be crucial.
The former Ajax man will be aiming to score for Ghana again after last netting on January 18 last year.
Source: Twitter
Right Wing: Ernest Nuamah
Ernest Nuamah is expected to take up the right-wing position for Ghana in this qualifier. The young winger, who plays for Lyon in the Ligue 1, has already caught the eye with his impressive performances for both club and country.
Nuamah is known for his speed, directness, and ability to beat defenders with his skilful dribbling. His pace on the counter-attack and ability to provide quality crosses will be a major asset for the Black Stars in the game against Chad.
Left Wing: Antoine Semenyo
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is likely to occupy the left-wing role for Ghana in the upcoming World Cup qualifier. He has impressed in the Premier League with his seven goals so far and poses a threat on the wing with his dribbling, pace, physicality and direct running.
His ability to cut inside and create goal-scoring opportunities makes him a dangerous player, as demonstrated this season under coach Andoni Iraola. Semenyo’s strength allows him to hold off defenders and his ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box would be vital.
Striker: Jordan Ayew
Having been named skipper of the Black Stars for the Chad game, Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the line as the main striker.
The Leicester City forward is known for his work rate, aerial ability, and clinical finishing, despite being out of action recently.
Ayew’s movement off the ball and his ability to find space in the box will be key in creating chances for himself and his team.
The new captain's experience at both the club and international levels makes him a vital presence in the Black Stars' offence.
Journalist speaks on Black Stars budget secrecy
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on Nhyira FM sports journalist Owusu Bismark's outburst regarding the Ghana Black Stars budget for the Chad and Madagascar World Cup qualifiers.
He stated that President John Mahama's declaration that budgets for national sports teams would be made public was a politically-motivated untruth and doubted this would happen.
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Proofreading by Jimmy Modise, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh
Jimmy Modise (Sports Copy editor) Jimmy is an experienced copy editor who has for just under two years as junior copy editor at Sports Brief and is still engaged in the same profession now for Legit Media and other projects. He has a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies, has worked briefly as radio producer, intern sportswriter and copywriter in his storied journey.
