Ghana vs. Mali: Otto Addo Explains Why Thomas Partey Didn't Play Against Chad, Video

• Otto Addo has shed light on why Thomas Partey declined to feature in Ghana’s 1-1 draw away to Chad
• The Villarreal midfielder is expected to feature for the Black Stars against the Eagles of Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium
• Ghanaian fans were left heartbroken as Chad struck late to secure a dramatic equaliser against Otto Addo’s men

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There was plenty of speculation surrounding Thomas Partey’s absence from Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Chad last Thursday, September 4.

The Villarreal midfielder, who travelled with the squad, was expected to feature in the crunch tie but ultimately played no part in proceedings, leaving supporters wondering what had gone wrong.

According to Flashscore, the Black Stars were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in N’Djamena, a result that has put a dent in their qualifying momentum.

Otto Addo’s men had gone into the contest looking to build on their hard-fought wins against Les Sao and Madagascar earlier in the campaign, but they found themselves undone by a resilient Chadian outfit who refused to roll over on home soil.

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The Black Stars made a brighter start and took a deserved lead inside 17 minutes. Tottenham Hotspur's Mohammed Kudus, pulling the strings in midfield, threaded a delightful pass into the path of Jordan Ayew, who calmly slotted home to put the visitors ahead.

The early strike looked to have settled the Black Stars, who dominated possession and carved out further openings in the first half. Yet, a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal would come back to haunt them.

Chad, buoyed by a lively home crowd, grew into the game and punished Ghana’s wastefulness with an 89th-minute equaliser, according to FIFA.

It was a result that left fans disappointed, particularly given the gulf in pedigree between the two nations, with Chad still winless after seven qualifier matches.

Much of the post-match chatter, however, centred not on the draw itself but on the conspicuous absence of Thomas Partey. The 33-year-old, often the heartbeat of Ghana’s midfield, was an unused substitute, sparking questions from supporters and pundits alike.

Why Partey missed Ghana vs. Chad qualifier

Otto Addo has now lifted the lid on why the ex-Arsenal man was left on the bench. Speaking to reporters after the match, the Black Stars boss explained that Partey himself had ruled out taking to the pitch.

Otto Addo explained that he wanted to introduce the ex-Atletico Madrid man in the second half, but that did not happen because Thomas Partey indicated to him that he was unable to deliver the required intensity after missing training through illness.

In truth, Partey’s absence was keenly felt in midfield, with Ghana lacking the composure and control he so often brings, as the likes of Elisha Owusu and Salis Abedul Samed were not really at the level.

Now, the hope among Black Stars supporters is that the midfielder recovers swiftly and is available for the upcoming Ghana vs. Mali clash on September 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium, a match that could prove pivotal in shaping their qualification hopes.

Potential Ghana starting XI vs. Mali

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh predicted the possible starting XI for the Black Stars ahead of Monday's crucial World Cup qualifier against the Eagles of Mali.

Head coach Otto Addo is expected to make up to five changes from the side that was held to a 1-1 draw by Chad on September 4, with Thomas Partey likely to start.

Source: YEN.com.gh