Ghana will be without winger Joseph Paintsil when they face Chad in Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, after a travel nightmare left the LA Galaxy star stranded on his way to camp, according to the official Ghana Football Association’s statement.
Paintsil’s journey from Los Angeles was thrown off course when a delayed departure on his first flight to New York caused him to miss his connection to Accra. By the time he finally touched down in Ghana early Wednesday, the Black Stars had already jetted off to N’Djamena to prepare for the crucial Group I fixture at Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.
The late arrival means Paintsil won’t be part of the 22-man squad Otto Addo has available for the must-win encounter. However, Ghanaian officials have brushed off concerns, insisting the team remains strong enough to deliver another positive result.
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The 26-year-old attacker is expected to quickly regroup with the squad upon their return to Accra, making him available for Monday’s high-profile home clash against Mali.
Ghana currently sit atop Group I with an impressive 15 points from six games, positioning themselves well in the race for a fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage.
