Djiku and Paintsil to Miss Chad Clash but Set for Mali Showdown
The Black Stars will be without Alexander Djiku and Joseph Paintsil for their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad, though both players are expected to be available for the follow-up fixture against Mali.
The two were included in Otto Addo’s 24-man squad but failed to join the team before their departure to N’Djamena.
Paintsil’s delay stemmed from travel complications. The winger missed his connecting flight from New York to Accra after his departure from Los Angeles was delayed, forcing him to arrive in Accra only this morning—after the squad had already left for Chad.
Meanwhile, defender Djiku is currently in Moscow, finalising a new contract, and is scheduled to join the team on Friday.
As a result, the technical bench will have 22 players available for the crucial encounter against Chad on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.
Both Djiku and Paintsil are expected to link up with their teammates in Accra ahead of Ghana’s second qualifier, when the Black Stars host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Ghana currently sits at the top of Group I, chasing qualification for a fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
