Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed optimism about winning in the clash against Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The two sides are set to face off on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena for Matchday 7 of the qualifiers.

Speaking during a pre-match conference held in Accra on September 1, ahead of Black Stars’ game against Chad, Otto Addo said on September 1, “The next focus is the Chad game, and I hope that we can win”.

While acknowledging the injuries recorded before camping, he noted that his squad is more than ready to face their opponents on Thursday, expressing excitement about seeing the debutants on the pitch.

“Sure, we had some issues with injuries again, but nowadays there are so many games in the world. There's so much intensity that it's kind of normal that a lot of injuries could occur.”

“But we still have a very, very strong squad together, really, really good, really impressive, some new players, and I'm really excited to see them playing tomorrow,” he noted.

Speaking on the team’s readiness in terms of tactics, Otto Addo mentioned that the squad are expected to attack more to earn excellent ball possession for a win.

“I think surely we will have a lot of ball possession and we have to attack. This is for sure. But other than that, I can't go too deep. I hope you understand that,” he continued, adding that his leadership, i.e. the skippers of the squad, including Thomas Partey and Jordan, are also ready for the game.

“Surely the experienced players know their role in our team. They have to be the best in our team. This is for sure”

“We spoke a lot in the last months and both are very, very ready. So I'm looking forward to them combining well, to talk, to lead the team. And surely, I think if they're in good shape, then we will be successful,” he added.

Otto Addo further expressed his gratitude to the President of Ghana, John Mahama, and the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Kurt Okraku. He also thanked Ghanaians for their support and warm welcome after the Black Stars suffered a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Chad in March.

The loss was a heavy blow not only because of the scoreline but also due to the long-standing history between the two sides, as Chad had never defeated the Black Stars until that qualifier.

“First of all, I really, really appreciate the support. I know we are not going to talk about it, but after the bad outcome, how the people of Ghana and Accra, especially welcomed me has been good.”

“I would also like to use this opportunity to thank the head of state, our president (H.E. John Mahama), for his visits, also the sports minister who has been there watching all our training and supporting us, having really, really, really inspiring words.”

“Same as our President (Kurt Okraku) and also former players visiting the ground and having really, really good talks with our players. And surely this is the support we need.”

About fourteen Black Stars players have touched down in Ghana to prepare for their clash against Mali and Chad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, August 27, announced that the senior national team, Black Stars, will open camp on Monday, September 1.

Consequently, the team’s official social media handles shared updates on the players’ arrivals as they checked into camp.

While they await the arrival of the former Arsenal defensive midfielder and current forward of Villarreal forward, Thomas Partey and Spurs' Mohammed Kudus, about 14 players have arrived at the team’s hotel in Accra. They are reported to have arrived yesterday, Sunday, August 31.

Those already in camp include Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Osman, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Salis Samed, Jerry Afriyie, Joseph Anang, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Sulemana, Mohammed Salisu, and Caleb Yirenkyi.

The team will travel to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4, before returning home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.

They will round off their qualifying campaign in October against the Central African Republic and Comoros.

Currently, Black Stars sit atop Group I in the African Qualifiers with 15 points following five wins and one loss from six matches.

Ghana Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, has released the lineup for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad, Mali.

Coach Otto Addo formally announced the Black Stars squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali on the evening of Tuesday, August 26.

The release included a full list of 24 players, featuring both returning stars and debutants. Some players were rewarded for their stellar performances in the Unity Cup and also in their respective clubs.

Out of the twenty-four-man squad, four of them are debutants for the senior national team.

Union Berlin forward, Derrick Arthur Köhn, secured a call-up after an outstanding season in Germany, and Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland was also called up again following his display of maturity and excellent form during the Unity Cup and at the club level.

Christopher Bonsu Baah of Al-Qadsiah was also included in Otto Addo's squad. Following his giant strides in the Saudi.

Goalkeeper Joseph Anang of St. Patrick’s Athletic, based in Ireland, also got his first senior nod.

Players like Tariq Lamptey, who has been away following an injury, have also been called back.

According to Otto Addo's list, the goalkeepers include Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Anang and popular Hearts of Oak keeper Benjamin Asare, who earned admiration of many following his impressive display in his last call-up.

See the list below:GoalkeepersLawrence Ati Zigi – St. Gallen

Joseph Anang – St. Patrick's Athletic

Benjamin Asare – Accra Hearts of Oak

DefendersGideon Mensah – AJ Auxerre

Derrick Arthur Köhn – Union Berlin

Mohammed Salisu – AS Monaco

Jerome Opoku – İstanbul Başakşehir

Alexander Djiku – Fenerbahçe

Jonas Adjetey – FC Basel

Tariq Lamptey – Brighton & Hove Albion

Caleb Yirenkyi – FC Nordsjaelland

MidfieldersElisha Owusu – AJ Auxerre

Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham Hotspur

Ibrahim Osman – AJ Auxerre

Ibrahim Sulemana – Atalanta BC

Thomas Partey – Villarreal CF

Abdul Salis Samed – OGC Nice

ForwardsAntoine Semenyo – AFC Bournemouth

Kamaldeen Sulemana – Atalanta BC

Joseph Paintsil – LA Galaxy

Jerry Afriyie – RAAL La Louvière

Jordan Ayew – Leicester City

Christopher Bonsu Baah – Al-Qadsiah

Iñaki Williams – Athletic Club