Otto Addo reveals why Asare started over Ati-Zigi and Wollacott

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has shed light on his decision to start Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in Ghana’s dominant 5-0 win over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup at the Accra Sports Stadium but justified his selection with a clean sheet.

Addo opted for Asare over first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, citing his impressive displays in training.

“We assessed all our goalkeepers and watched several games. It was a close call, but Benjamin stood out in training,” Addo explained.

Ghana delivered a ruthless attacking performance on Friday, overpowering Chad to claim a crucial victory that propelled them to the top of Group I. The result sets up a key encounter with Madagascar on Monday.

From the opening whistle, Ghana’s aggressive pressing unsettled Chad’s defense. The breakthrough came early as Antoine Semenyo capitalized on a goalmouth scramble, slotting home after a chaotic sequence in the box.

Jordan Ayew missed a golden opportunity moments later, skying a shot from close range, but the Black Stars remained relentless. Inaki Williams made amends, meeting a precise Kingsley Schindler cross with a powerful header to double Ghana’s lead.

Five minutes later, Ayew redeemed himself from the penalty spot after Semenyo was fouled in the area. By halftime, Ghana held a commanding 3-0 advantage, with Chad failing to register a single shot on target.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with Ghana maintaining control. Mohammed Salisu added a fourth with a towering header from Ernest Nuamah’s corner, before Nuamah himself capped off the rout, calmly finishing after a clever backheel assist from Ayew.

Otto Addo took the opportunity to rotate his squad late in the game, handing a debut to Lawrence Agyekum and bringing on Kamaldeen Sulemana, Francis Abu, Jerome Opoku, and Jerry Afriyie. Mohammed Kudus and Afriyie both squandered late chances, but the emphatic victory was already sealed.

This five-goal triumph marks Ghana’s most dominant win since their 2020 friendly against Qatar and Chad’s heaviest competitive defeat since 2015.

The Black Stars now shift their attention to Monday’s crucial clash against Madagascar in Morocco, as they aim to strengthen their position in the race for 2026 World Cup qualification.

 

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