After missing out on a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Black Stars have started the year on a high note with a commanding victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana’s senior national team delivered a stunning performance on Friday night at the Accra Sports Stadium, thrashing Chad 5-0 in their Matchday five fixture.
The Black Stars wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead just two minutes into the game. Antoine Semenyo capitalized on a defensive lapse by Chad to fire Ghana ahead.
Ghana continued to pile on the pressure and nearly doubled their advantage when Jordan Ayew was fouled just outside the 18-yard box. However, Mohammed Kudus’ well-struck free-kick narrowly missed the target.
Both Ayew and Kudus had further opportunities to extend the lead but were unable to convert due to miscommunication in the final third.
Despite a brief spell of resistance from Chad, Otto Addo’s men maintained control of the game. Ernest Nuamah came close with a powerful shot, forcing a fine save from the Chadian goalkeeper. Just a minute later, Inaki Williams latched onto a precise cross from Thomas Partey to double Ghana’s lead in the 31st minute.
The Black Stars continued to dominate, and in the 35th minute, Semenyo was brought down in the penalty box. Jordan Ayew stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to make it 3-0 before halftime.
Ghana resumed the second half with the same intensity. The relentless attacks paid off in the 55th minute when Mohammed Salisu rose highest to head home from an Ernest Nuamah corner, extending the lead to 4-0.
Chad had a rare chance to score a consolation goal, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was alert to deny them.
The Black Stars sealed their emphatic victory in the 78th minute when Ernest Nuamah found the net with a stunning strike, assisted by Jordan Ayew, to make it 5-0.
Otto Addo later made several substitutions, bringing on Abu Francis for Nuamah, while Kamaldeen Sulemana replaced Semenyo. Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Salisu also made way for Jerry Afriyie, Jerome Opoku, and Lawrence Agyakum.
With this convincing win, Ghana moves to the top of Group I with 12 points.
Next up, the Black Stars will travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in their Matchday six fixture at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT.