Preview:Chad vs Ghana - prediction, team news, lineups

Chad will welcome Ghana to the Stade Olympique Marechal Idriss Deby Itno on Thursday in the seventh round of CAF’s World Cup qualifiers, with the two sides sitting at opposite ends of Group I.

The Black Stars top the standings and remain on course for the mundial, while Les Sao are already eliminated after a dismal run of results.

Match preview

Chad’s campaign has unravelled in predictable fashion, with six straight defeats leaving them without a single point on the board.

The Gibraltarian minnows of African football have found themselves outmatched in every department, managing just one goal across the series and conceding 15 at the other end.

Their most recent outing in March brought a narrow 1-0 loss to Comoros, which at least demonstrated some defensive resolve, but a blunt attack has now drawn blanks in five of their six group matches.

June’s friendlies against Kenya offered little respite either, with a 0-0 stalemate followed by a 2-1 defeat extending their barren streak.

Head coach Raoul Savoy has sought to keep his side competitive, drawing on experienced figures such as Marius Mouandilmadji and captain N’Douassel to lead the line, while Ahmat Abderamane remains one of few who can provide balance in midfield.

Even so, with the team conceding an average of 2.5 goals per qualifier, it is difficult to see where the spark for a revival might come from. The emphasis will inevitably be on damage limitation rather than a genuine contest.

For Ghana, this fixture represents another chance to strengthen their grip at the top of Group I. The Black Stars have collected 15 points from a possible 18, recovering from an early slip against Mali with a five-match winning run.

Their most recent qualifier saw them brush Madagascar aside with a commanding 3-0 victory in Antananarivo, a match in which Thomas Partey struck twice before Mohammed Kudus added gloss with a third, all three goals supplied by Jordan Ayew. It was a performance that underlined the blend of control and cutting edge Otto Addo has instilled.

The Ghanaian side boasts one of the most potent attacks in the section, scoring 15 goals in six matches at an average of 2.5 per game, while also keeping things relatively secure at the back with just five goals conceded.

With Kudus pulling strings, Partey anchoring midfield, and Ayew in prolific form, the visitors look well-equipped to navigate a fixture that on paper carries little jeopardy but remains crucial to maintaining momentum into the next round.

Chad World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Chad form (all competitions):

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Ghana World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

W L W W W W

Ghana form (all competitions):

D L W W L W

Team News

Otto Addo has called up a 24-man squad that blends experience with fresh blood. Partey, Kudus, Ayew and Inaki Williams form the backbone of the side.

While there are recalls for Tariq Lamptey after a lengthy layoff, and opportunities for Derrick Arthur Kohn of Union Berlin and in-form FC Nordsjaelland forward Caleb Yirenkyi.

For Chad, Savoy has also named 24 players, relying on defensive figures like Ebenezer Ngardial and Yves Allarabaye to shore up a fragile backline, with midfield stability entrusted to Franky Tchaouna and Eric Mbangossoum.

Further forward, Haroun Tchaouna and Amine Hiver are expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden, though chances are likely to be at a premium against the group leaders.

Chad possible starting lineup:

Mbaynassem; Allarabaye, Noubara, Daikreo, Khamis; Damba, Thiam; Tchaouna, Youssouf, Adam; N'Douassel

Ghana possible starting lineup:

Asare; Mensah, Salisu, Opoku, Djiku; Semenyo, Partey, Francis, Schindler; Kudus, Ayew

We say: Chad 0-3 Ghana

Chad’s struggles have been well documented, and while they may seek to frustrate Ghana in front of their own supporters, the gulf in class is simply too wide.

Addo’s side have found a rhythm in qualifying and with Ayew, Kudus and Partey all fit and firing, this has the look of another comfortable night for the Black Stars.

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