Former President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated the Black Stars on their emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The victory at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday was Ghana’s most dominant performance in recent years, propelling them to the top of Group I and reigniting hopes of World Cup qualification. The Black Stars displayed attacking brilliance, with goals from Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah sealing the win.
Mahama’s Message to the Team
Reacting to the victory, Mahama took to social media to express his joy, linking the team’s success to his personal experience that evening.
“I had a good appetite for dinner after the Black Stars’ 5-0 victory. Congrats guys!” he posted.
However, Mahama also used the moment to remind the team that one victory should not lead to complacency. He urged the players to build on this success and restore faith in the national team.
“Let this victory not make us complacent. This should be the beginning of bringing back the LOVE,” he added.
His words serve as a cautionary note, emphasizing the need for consistency as Ghana prepares for its next crucial qualifier against Madagascar on Monday.
A Statement Performance
The Black Stars wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Semenyo opening the scoring in just the second minute. Ghana’s relentless pressure overwhelmed Chad, leading to a second goal from Inaki Williams before halftime.
Jordan Ayew made it 3-0 early in the second half, converting a well-worked team move. Defender Mohammed Salisu then capitalized on a set-piece to add a fourth goal, before Ernest Nuamah put the finishing touches on an excellent night with a late strike.
The win marked Ghana’s first five-goal haul since their 5-1 friendly win over Qatar in 2020. It was also Chad’s heaviest competitive defeat since 2015, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides.
Otto Addo’s Tactical Masterstroke
Coach Otto Addo’s game plan was evident from the start. Ghana pressed high up the pitch, suffocating Chad’s defense and forcing them into errors. The Black Stars created numerous scoring opportunities and showcased the attacking sharpness that had been missing in recent matches.
Before this game, Ghana had managed only three goals in their last six outings. Their lack of cutting edge in front of goal contributed to their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, Friday’s performance suggested a turning point, with the team showing both fluidity and confidence in attack.
Addo’s decision to start Antoine Semenyo as the central striker paid off, as the Bournemouth forward made an instant impact. His ability to hold up play, link with midfielders, and find space in the box gave Ghana an attacking edge that had been missing.
The midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Abdul Samed also played a crucial role in dictating the tempo. Partey’s leadership and vision ensured smooth transitions from defense to attack, while Kudus provided creativity in the final third.
At the back, Ghana’s defensive unit, led by Salisu and Alexander Djiku, remained resolute, giving Chad little room to operate. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi had a quiet night but made an important save early in the game to keep Ghana’s clean sheet intact.
Climbing to the Top of Group I
The victory moved Ghana to the top of Group I in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, giving them an important advantage in their quest to reach the 2026 tournament.
The Black Stars now have momentum heading into their next fixture against Madagascar. A win on Monday would further solidify their position and boost their chances of securing a spot at the World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ghana’s goal difference received a significant boost with the five-goal margin, which could prove crucial in a tight qualification race. Otto Addo’s men will need to build on this result to maintain their lead, as teams like Mali and Comoros remain serious contenders in the group.
What’s Next for the Black Stars?
As Ghana prepares to face Madagascar, maintaining focus will be crucial. The team cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, as history has shown that unexpected results can derail qualification campaigns.
Otto Addo is expected to stick with the attacking trio of Semenyo, Williams, and Ayew, who all contributed significantly to the Chad victory. In midfield, Thomas Partey’s leadership will be key in ensuring Ghana remains composed and in control. Defensively, Salisu and his backline partners will need to stay organized to prevent any surprises from Madagascar.
The coaching staff will likely emphasize finishing efficiency in training, as Ghana missed several opportunities against Chad that could have made the scoreline even more one-sided.
Madagascar, although not as highly ranked as Ghana, has proven to be a tricky opponent in past encounters. The Black Stars will need to approach the game with the same intensity and tactical discipline that led to their success against Chad.
Fan Excitement and Renewed Hope
Ghanaian fans were thrilled by the team’s display, as it provided a glimpse of the attacking power the Black Stars are capable of. The Accra Sports Stadium was filled with celebrations as supporters cheered every goal, hoping this was the beginning of a return to the team’s best form.
Many have also praised Otto Addo for implementing a system that maximizes the attacking potential of the squad. However, fans remain cautious, knowing that consistency has been an issue in recent years.
Social media was flooded with reactions from Ghanaian football lovers, with many expressing hope that this result signals a new era for the team. Former Black Stars players also joined the conversation, with ex-captain Asamoah Gyan urging the team to “keep pushing and stay hungry.”
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also commended the team’s efforts, highlighting the importance of the victory in shaping the nation’s World Cup ambitions. GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasized that while the win was impressive, the team must remain focused on the bigger goal.
For Ghana, the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is far from over, but Friday’s win was a significant step in the right direction. Mahama’s words of encouragement and caution serve as a reminder that the team must continue to build on this momentum, stay focused, and keep pushing toward qualification.
As the Black Stars take the field against Madagascar, they will carry not just the confidence from their 5-0 triumph but also the responsibility to prove that it was more than just a one-time performance. Ghana has the talent, the strategy, and the drive—now, it’s about delivering results consistently.
