Alexander Djiku: Good News as Key Player Returns to Black Stars Camp After Missing Chad Game
- The Black Stars of Ghana have received a timely boost after their frustrating draw with Chad
- A key player who missed the game has rejoined the squad and is in line to feature against Mali
- He played a key role in Ghana’s win over the Eagles in June 2024 and now targets a repeat on September 8
Ghana’s World Cup journey hit turbulence in N’Djamena when the Black Stars threw away a lead to settle for a draw with Chad.
It was a result that left many fans disappointed, but there is finally some good news for the team.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana suffers World Cup setback against Chad
The game against Chad had started brightly for the four-time African champions.
In the 17th minute, Jordan Ayew opened the scoring, calmly finishing into an empty net after being set up by Mohammed Kudus.
Watch Ghana's only goal against Chad:
From there, Ghana dictated the rhythm, carving out chances that should have put the contest to bed.
But missed opportunities proved costly. With the clock winding down, 23-year-old Celestin Ecua broke through Ghana’s defence and punished them with a late equaliser, per CAF Online.
Watch Chad's equaliser:
The blow left the Stars frustrated and deflated, knowing victory had slipped through their fingers.
There will be little time to dwell on the disappointment. According to Ghanafa.org, the team will resume training at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, September 5, to prepare for a crunch clash against Mali, who brushed aside Comoros in the other Group I fixture.
Alexander Djiku joins Black Stars camp ahead of Mali clash
Amid the gloom, the return of defender Alexander Djiku offers a major lift.
The 31-year-old, capped 33 times by Ghana, as noted by Transfermarkt, missed the Chad encounter as he finalised his move from Fenerbahçe to Spartak Moscow.
He was spotted in Accra on September 5, checking into the team hotel.
Watch the video:
His leadership at the back was sorely missed, with Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey struggling to hold the line in his absence.
Djiku’s comeback could not have come at a better time. Coach Otto Addo's men will need his experience when they face Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.
Source: Getty Images
The Eagles are brimming with confidence after their emphatic win, and the Black Stars cannot afford another slip. History, however, leans in Ghana’s favour.
The Black Stars have won three of their last five encounters with Mali, drawn once and lost just once.
Their most memorable World Cup qualifier on home soil came in 2009 in Kumasi, when Anthony Annan salvaged a 2-2 draw with a late strike.
Watch the highlights:
More recently, in June 2024, Ghana showed resilience in Bamako by overturning a one-goal deficit to defeat the Eagles 2-1, with Djiku playing the full match.
With three fixtures left, including two at home, the dream of a fifth World Cup appearance is still alive.
Monday’s showdown could prove pivotal, not only for qualification but also for rebuilding belief among Ghanaians who long to see the Stars shine again.
Otto Addo concedes Ghana fell short against Chad
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted Black Stars coach Otto Addo’s visible frustration following the 1-1 draw with Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking after the game, Addo admitted his side failed to make their dominance count, wasting possession and spurning several clear opportunities.
Source: YEN.com.gh
