A Tough Journey from Brazil to AFCON Heartbreak

Otto Addo, the embattled coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, has found himself at the center of intense criticism following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Black Stars ended their qualification campaign without a single win, finishing at the bottom of their group—a performance that has prompted widespread calls for Addo to step down.

During a heated post-match press conference after the team’s 2-0 defeat to Niger on Monday, Addo staunchly defended his credentials, pointing to his years of experience in football, including his contribution to Ghana’s campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“I went to Brazil with the team in 2014 because Kwasi Appiah valued my work,” Addo recalled. “I was tasked with scouting not only Germany but also other opponents during the tournament.”

Addo reminisced about Ghana’s spirited 2-2 draw against eventual World Cup winners Germany, a performance that stood out in an otherwise challenging tournament marred by internal team conflicts. He highlighted the standout contributions of players like André Ayew and Asamoah Gyan in that game, noting that Ghana was the only team to avoid defeat against Germany during the tournament.

“There were a lot of problems within the team,” Addo admitted. “2014 was difficult, but the game against Germany was special. That performance showed the potential and resilience of Ghanaian football.”

After the World Cup, Addo transitioned to club football, honing his craft at Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund. Over the past 12 years, he has built a reputation for developing young talent and taking on leadership roles.

Despite his extensive experience, Addo’s tenure as Ghana’s head coach has been rocky. His appointment was seen as a rebuilding effort, but the recent AFCON failure has cast a shadow over his legacy.

As pressure mounts, Addo’s story is one of a football professional trying to navigate the highs and lows of a demanding career while striving to restore pride to one of Africa’s most storied football teams.