Jordan Ayew Makes History for the Black Stars In Chad, Mali World Cup Qualifiers

• Jordan Ayew has etched his name into the history books with a unique achievement with the Black Stars
• The Black Stars defeated Mali in Accra on Monday night after Chad held Otto Addo's men in N'Djamena
• Otto Addo's Black Stars now top World Cup qualifying Group I with 19 points, three ahead of second-placed Madagascar

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Jordan Ayew has equalled a historic feat for the Black Stars of Ghana after the national team's games during the recent CAF World Cup qualifiers.

Otto Addo's men were looking to boost their qualification aspirations but were brought back down to earth as they were held to a 1–1 stalemate away to Chad in their CAF World Cup qualifying match in N’Djamena on September 4.

Under the scorching heat at the newly opened Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, Ghana initially took charge, skipper Jordan Ayew, coolly tapping in from close range in the 17th minute, finishing off a slick move and low cross from Mohammed Kudus to give the Black Stars the lead and a seemingly comfortable start, accordign to Flashscore.

For long periods, the four-time World Cup participants dictated the tempo and created the better openings, but lacked the cutting edge to double their lead. As the match wore on, Chad grew bolder and increasingly physical, pushing Ghana to defend deeper.

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Les Sao's perseverance paid dividends late on when substitute Célestin Ecua pounced after received a well-weighted pass, deftly manoeuvred past several defenders before unleashing a precise strike beyond Ghana’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the 89th minute.

The stadium erupted as Chad notched their first ever point in this qualifying campaign. Despite the setback, Ghana remain top of Group I, although Comoros and Madagascar remain in close pursuit, keeping the race for automatic qualification finely poised.

Jordan makes Black Stars history

Beyond his strike, Ayew reached a unique milestone, becoming just the second man to captain Ghana from a second-tier club. Remarkably, the first was his brother Andre, who wore the armband while turning out for Swansea in the English Championship between 2019 and 2021.

The son of the legendary Abedi Ayew is currently featuring in the Championship after Leicester City’s drop from the Premier League last season.

Jordan had worn the armband for Ghana before, though at the time he was playing for top-flight clubs in leagues like the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Ayew and the Black Stars returned to the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday for a pivotal Group I clash against Mali in their quest for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification, according to the Ghana FA.

After the disappointing draw against Chad, Ghana bounced back to secure a 1-0 victory over the Malians, with Jordan Ayew wearing the captain’s armband for the second time as a player from a second-tier club.

The Black Stars now sit atop the table with a haul of 19 points after eight games, three clear of Madagascar.

2026 World Cup: List of qualifed teams

YEN.com.gh earlier looked at all the countries that have booked their place for next year's World Cup, set to take place across three countries: Canada, USA, and Mexico.

The list is topped by reigning world champions Argentina, who triumphed over France 4–2 on penalties after a pulsating 3–3 draw in the Qatar final, where Kylian Mbappé produced a memorable hat-trick.

Source: YEN.com.gh