by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, is on a relentless mission to strengthen the Black Stars as they prepare for the next phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With back-to-back victories over Chad and Madagascar boosting morale, Addo remains committed to unearthing new talent across all leagues.
“I will keep on looking. I will be traveling around like I did before, watching Premier League teams and quite every team,” Addo said in an interview with Peace FM, emphasizing his hands-on approach to talent scouting.
The Black Stars recently delivered two commanding performances. In their sixth Group I match, Ghana overwhelmed Madagascar with a 3-0 win in Morocco. Thomas Partey set the tone with an 11th-minute opener, added another in the 53rd minute, and Mohammed Kudus sealed the victory just five minutes later. This dominant display followed an emphatic 5-0 victory against Chad in Accra, a result that solidified Ghana’s place at the top of Group I with 15 points from six matches.
With World Cup qualifying action on hold until September, Addo will use the break to expand his scouting network. As players return to their respective clubs, the coach’s focus will shift to identifying emerging stars who can bolster the squad for future challenges.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In a time when the Black Stars needed steady leadership, Jordan Ayew has stepped up to guide the team with confidence and experience. Head coach Otto Addo believes the 32-year-old forward is the ideal leader to unite and inspire the squad as they pursue a place in the 2026 World Cup.
Ayew’s appointment as captain ahead of Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar has already begun to pay off. Under his leadership, the Black Stars delivered emphatic performances during the March international window, securing a 5-0 win over Chad and a commanding 3-0 victory against Madagascar.
These results lifted Ghana to the top of Group I, giving them a three-point cushion over second-placed Comoros in the qualification standings. The team’s resurgence has sparked renewed hope among fans and players alike.
Speaking to Sportsblog247.com, Otto Addo praised Ayew’s leadership qualities and tireless work ethic. “Jordan has done a really good job. We have also reshaped the team, and the team is working together really well. We have shown it in our last matches,” Addo said. “I think he is the right person to work hard with all his experience.”
With momentum on their side, the Black Stars now turn their attention to upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures against Chad and Mali. All eyes will be on Jordan Ayew, whose leadership will be crucial in steering Ghana closer to the world stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Jerome Opoku’s lifelong dream became a reality when he made his first competitive start for Ghana, helping the Black Stars secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Istanbul Basaksehir defender, who had only featured in friendly matches before, earned his place in Otto Addo’s starting lineup after a brief appearance against Chad. Stepping onto the pitch in Kumasi, Opoku seamlessly adapted to the coach’s three-back system—a structure he knows well from club football.
Reflecting on his milestone moment, the 26-year-old expressed both pride and gratitude. “I’ve been really working hard and looking forward to getting a chance in the national team, and I knew such a day would come for me to help the team,” he told Sportsblog247.com.
“For me, it’s always been a dream and a privilege to wear the national colors and defend the nation,” he added, his excitement evident after a composed and confident performance.
Opoku’s debut came at a crucial time as Ghana pushed to establish dominance in Group I of the qualifiers. With this victory propelling the Black Stars to the top of the table, the defender remains laser-focused on the journey ahead.
“We know it’s not done yet, so we stay focused and make sure we get the job done,” he declared, already setting his sights on the upcoming fixtures.
As Ghana marches forward in their World Cup quest, Jerome Opoku’s breakthrough marks not just a personal triumph but a promising addition to the Black Stars’ defensive lineup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After the heartbreak of missing out on AFCON 2025, the Black Stars have found renewed purpose—and defender Jerome Opoku is leading the charge with unwavering belief.
Fresh from Ghana’s emphatic victory over Madagascar, Opoku is certain the team will clinch a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With 15 points atop Group I, three clear of second-placed Comoros, the mission is clear: finish first and book a ticket to the global stage.
“I am 200% confident of qualifying. That’s the aim and dream,” Opoku declared to Flashscore, his voice firm with conviction. “We know the job isn’t done yet, and it won’t be easy, but we will fight hard till the end to secure the necessary points.”
The sting of AFCON elimination lingers, but Opoku sees it as fuel to drive the team forward.
“Missing AFCON was tough,” he admitted. “But it gave us a bigger motivation. We had to put that disappointment behind us, move on, and make it up to the whole country by winning games and qualifying for the World Cup.”
With four matches left, Ghana’s path is challenging but clear. For Opoku and the Black Stars, failure is not an option—and their sights are firmly set on redemption in 2026.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 28, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
When Jerome Opoku learned he would be starting Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, he was both excited and a little surprised. The 26-year-old centre-back, however, embraced the opportunity with confidence, thanks in large part to Otto Addo’s tactical shift.
Ghana’s head coach opted for a 3-5-2 formation, moving away from the 4-1-4-1 structure used in their previous match. Despite having just one training session to adjust, Opoku slotted in seamlessly, delivering a commanding performance in the heart of defense.
“I would say I was a little surprised to start against Madagascar, but I’ve always worked and looked forward to my time here,” Opoku revealed to Sportsblog247.com.
His smooth transition was no accident. At his club, Istanbul Basaksehir, Opoku has grown accustomed to playing in a similar three-back system. This familiarity gave him an edge when adapting to the new setup under Addo.
“It was easy for me because, at my club, we’ve played with a three-back a couple of times this season, so it was quite easy to settle in,” he explained. “The coaches of Ghana really worked through it and came up with a clear plan for everyone to adopt, so that also helped really well.”
Opoku’s versatility has long been an asset. During his time in Fulham’s academy, he often featured as a left-back, a skillset that has allowed him to adapt to various defensive roles.
His assured display helped Ghana secure a 3-0 victory over Madagascar, building on their emphatic 5-0 win against Chad. With these back-to-back triumphs, the Black Stars now sit three points clear at the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.
