Chaotic scenes unfolded outside the Stade Marechal Idriss Deby Itno in N’Djamena on Thursday afternoon as thousands of fans tried to storm their way into the venue ahead of Chad’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
Kick-off is set for 13:00 GMT, but barely two hours before the match, security forces had to step in after tempers rose during the entry process.
Police were forced to fire tear gas to control restless sections of the crowd as overwhelmed checkpoints struggled to handle the massive turnout.
The frenzy was fueled by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s decision to purchase 30,000 tickets for fans, granting them free entry to the clash.
While the move sparked huge excitement among locals, the unexpected flood of supporters outside the stadium created intense pressure on security arrangements.
Order has since been restored, with extra reinforcements dispatched to keep the situation under control before the gates open fully.
The Black Stars, meanwhile, will be focused on keeping their qualification hopes alive, though they face the challenge of playing in what promises to be a charged and intimidating atmosphere, with thousands of Chadians rallying passionately behind their national team.
