The Black Stars of Ghana will officially begin preparations today, September 1, 2025, in Accra as they set their sights on two crucial fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The senior national team, under the guidance of head coach Otto Addo, will host their first training session this afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium, drawing fans and media eager to catch a glimpse of the squad.
Ghana will first travel to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4. Just four days later, on Monday, September 8, the Black Stars will return home to host Mali in front of an expected full-capacity crowd at the Accra Sports Stadium. Both games are seen as pivotal to Ghana’s qualification hopes, with the team determined to maintain their strong start and consolidate their top position in Group I.
Training Camp Opens With Energy and Expectations
The opening training session in Accra has been designed to give fans and the media the opportunity to watch the team at work. According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), today’s session will be open, allowing supporters to show their encouragement as the players fine-tune their preparations. However, beginning tomorrow, September 2, the Black Stars will switch to closed-door training to ensure tactical privacy before jetting off to N’Djamena in the evening.
Head coach Otto Addo, who is overseeing his second qualifying campaign since his reappointment, expressed confidence in his squad. “We have a strong group of players who understand the importance of these matches. Our aim is to continue building momentum and secure qualification for Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance,” he said.
Squad Announcement: Fresh Faces and Key Returnees
Addo has named a 24-man squad for the double-header, blending youth with experience. Among the headline inclusions is Union Berlin’s left-back Derrick Arthur Köhn, who has earned his maiden call-up after a strong start to the Bundesliga season. His selection signals the coach’s intent to inject fresh energy into the defensive lineup while preparing for the long-term future of the team.
Meanwhile, experienced forwards Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo have already arrived in Accra, joining the camp ahead of schedule. They are expected to lead the line alongside in-form striker Inaki Williams, while midfielder Elisha Owusu also reported early, demonstrating the players’ commitment to the national cause.
The squad also features stalwarts such as Thomas Partey, who is expected to anchor the midfield, and Mohammed Kudus, whose creativity and attacking flair will be vital against both Chad and Mali. With the balance of emerging talents and seasoned internationals, Addo believes the team has the right blend to overcome their opponents.
Group I Standings: Ghana in the Driving Seat
After six games played, Ghana currently top Group I with 15 points, three ahead of second-placed Comoros and five clear of Madagascar. The Black Stars have been clinical in their approach, recording five wins and a single draw, positioning themselves as strong contenders to secure qualification.
A victory over Chad would not only strengthen their hold on top spot but also build confidence ahead of the home clash with Mali, who remain dangerous opponents despite inconsistent form.
Football analysts say that Ghana must avoid complacency, especially against Chad, who will be buoyed by home support in N’Djamena. “These are the kind of games where focus and professionalism matter most,” noted former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah. “Chad may not be favorites on paper, but they will be motivated to upset Ghana’s rhythm. It’s crucial that the team starts strong and maintains control.”
Eyes on Mali Showdown in Accra
While the Chad fixture is the immediate focus, many fans are already looking ahead to the clash against Mali in Accra. Mali, with their mix of technical players and physical style, have always posed challenges for Ghanaian sides at both club and national level.
The GFA has confirmed that tickets for the September 8 match are already selling fast, with officials anticipating a packed stadium atmosphere to rally the Black Stars. Supporters’ groups are mobilizing across the country, planning drumming, dancing, and colorful displays to spur the team on.
“We are calling on all Ghanaians to come in their numbers to support the Black Stars,” GFA President Kurt Okraku said. “The players draw strength from the fans, and together we can push Ghana closer to another World Cup journey.”
The Road to a Fifth World Cup
Ghana’s ambition remains clear: securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars have already made four appearances at the tournament—2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, and 2022 in Qatar. Their most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, narrowly missing out on a historic semifinal spot after the heartbreaking loss to Uruguay.
For many Ghanaians, a return to the global stage is more than just about football—it is about national pride, unity, and showcasing Ghana’s talent to the world. Otto Addo has repeatedly emphasized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience as the pillars of this campaign.
Fans’ Optimism and Growing Momentum
Across Accra and beyond, excitement is building as fans express optimism about the Black Stars’ chances. At a fan park in Osu, supporters waved flags and chanted ahead of the team’s arrival. “This is our time again,” said Kwame Asare, a long-time supporter. “We believe in this squad. Kudus, Partey, and Jordan Ayew will deliver, and the young players will add fire.”
Social media platforms have also been buzzing with anticipation, with hashtags like #BlackStars2026 and #RoadToUSA trending among Ghanaian football fans.
As the countdown to the Chad fixture continues, the Black Stars know the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Every training session, tactical drill, and team talk will matter in shaping their destiny over the next week.
For now, the mission is clear: begin strongly in N’Djamena, return victorious, and set the stage for a triumphant night in Accra.
With Ghana firmly in the driver’s seat in Group I, two wins from these fixtures could all but secure their passage to the next phase of qualification, keeping alive the dream of flying the Ghanaian flag high on football’s grandest stage once again.
