Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed concern about the playing surface at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, where Ghana will face Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, September 4.

The stadium, though impressive in appearance, is fitted with an artificial turf that Addo described as unsuitable for an international fixture.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the Ghana coach admitted his surprise that the venue had been approved for the qualifiers, likening the surface to concrete.

“I’m really surprised that they have allowed this pitch for an international match. The pitch is really, really not good. It’s very, very hard for the players — it’s like playing on concrete. But what can we do? We have to take it as it comes, and we are prepared.

We observed everything today. Like I said, it’s not a good AstroTurf, to be honest. Nowadays, there are far better Astroturfs, which are also much healthier for the players.”

Despite the pitch concerns, Addo remains focused on securing all three points as Ghana look to consolidate their top spot in Group I.

Thursday’s fixture will kick off at 1:00 pm local time.