The spotlight turns this afternoon to the brand-new Marshal Idriss Déby Itno Olympic Stadium in Mandjafa, where Chad takes on Ghana in the second leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match carries added significance — it marks the inaugural game at the state-of-the-art facility, built with support from the Chinese government.
Mandjafa, a fast-growing town on the eastern outskirts of N’Djamena, is alive with excitement as thousands of fans prepare to fill the 30,000-seat arena for the first time. The gleaming new stadium stands as a symbol of modern sporting ambition in Chad — and for the national team, the Sao, it’s a fresh stage to rekindle pride and resilience.
The challenge ahead, though, is steep. In the first leg, Ghana’s Black Stars overwhelmed Chad with a 5–0 victory, reaffirming their reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. A four-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, Ghana enters today’s match eyeing another confident performance on the road to World Cup qualification.
Chad, meanwhile, is still chasing its first major international breakthrough. Sitting bottom of a difficult group alongside Ghana, Comoros, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, and Mali, the Sao are playing for honor — and for the experience of competing at the highest level.
To mark the historic occasion, President Mahamat Deby has announced free entry for all fans, covering ticket costs to ensure a full house.
