2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Poor playing surface affected our game plan against Chad - Otto Addo

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo believes the playing surface of the Stade Olympique Idris Deby Itno affected their game plan. 

The 48-year-old's remarks come after Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw on Thursday in N'Djamena in the Matchday 7 games of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Jordan Ayew put the team ahead in the 17th minute after connecting Mohammed Kudus' cross. However, Chad equalised later through Celestine Ecua with two minutes to the end of the game.

Speaking after the game, Addo attributes their sluggish performance to the poor playing surface.

“It’s very difficult to play on this terrain when it’s not watered. We can’t play fast, so it’s a disadvantage for us when the pitch is not wet," he said.

“The pitch was very slow for us, so it’s difficult to outplay the defenders, but Chad did well in defending," Addo added.

The Black Stars will have little time to regroup as they prepare to host Mali in a crucial Matchday 8 encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.

Despite the setback, Ghana remain top of Group I with 16 points.