by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After weeks of mounting pressure, Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo has opened up about the complexities of football and the responsibility that comes with leading the Black Stars.
Ghana entered their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday desperate for a win after enduring a six-game winless streak. In response to the team’s struggles, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) took decisive action by reinforcing the technical team. The appointment of experienced German coach Winfried Schafer as Technical Advisor, Sports Psychologist Kris Perquy, and assistant coach Desmond Ofei aimed to rejuvenate the squad.
The impact of these changes was immediate and emphatic. Ghana silenced critics with a resounding 5-0 victory over Chad, reigniting hopes for World Cup qualification.
Speaking after the match, Otto Addo reflected on the challenges of managing a football team and the shared nature of both success and failure.
“Football is way too complex to blame it on this or that person,” Addo remarked. “If we had lost, I know the blame would fall on me because I am the head coach. When we win, it’s often credited to someone else. But the truth is, success involves everyone – the players, the fans, the media, and the technical staff. It’s a collective effort.”
Addo also praised the stadium’s ground staff, highlighting the improved pitch conditions as a crucial factor in the team’s performance.
“I want to say a big congratulations to the greenkeepers. The grass was much better this time. It may seem minor to others, but for the players, it makes a huge difference,” he added.
With the victory, Ghana now leads Group I with 12 points. A win against Madagascar on Monday would further solidify their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana coach Otto Addo has voiced his worries about the limited preparation time ahead of the Black Stars’ crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.
Just two days after their emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars will face Madagascar in Morocco on Monday. The tight scheduling, coupled with the need to travel, has sparked concerns about player fatigue and readiness.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Addo did not hide his frustration. “It’s worrying because also we need to travel. Madagascar are already in Morocco, so for them it is much easier,” he said. “I don’t know who is doing the schedule. There is nothing we can do. We have to accept it.”
Addo acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing the quality of the Malagasy side. “It will be very tough. They have a really good team, [a] good victory against CAR, so it will be very tough. Our preparations start now. It is good we won and we can focus on Madagascar,” he added.
Despite the concerns, Ghana enters the fixture with momentum after a dominant display against Chad. Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah propelled the Black Stars to the top of Group I with 12 points—two points clear of second-placed Madagascar.
As the Black Stars set their sights on another crucial victory, the quick turnaround and travel logistics pose a significant test for Addo and his squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
In a move that surprised many, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo handed Benjamin Asare the starting goalkeeper role in Ghana’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The decision to bench regular first-choice Lawrence Ati-Zigi and other experienced options raised eyebrows, but Addo stood by his choice.
Speaking after the match, Addo explained that Asare’s consistent performances in training made the difference.
“We assessed all our goalkeepers and watched several games. It was a close call, but Benjamin stood out in training,” he revealed.
Asare, 32, who plays for Hearts of Oak, seized the opportunity with a commanding performance, keeping a clean sheet and making several crucial saves. His heroics not only justified Addo’s faith but also helped Ghana climb to the top of Group I.
The comprehensive win sets up a high-stakes clash against Madagascar on Monday, where the Black Stars will look to maintain their momentum.
While the decision to start Asare initially sparked debate, his impressive display has quieted critics and added fresh competition to Ghana’s goalkeeping ranks.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, is determined to keep the Black Stars at the summit of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Addo’s ambition was clear after his side’s commanding 5-0 triumph over Chad in Round 5 of the African qualifiers on Friday night. The resounding victory propelled Ghana to the top of Group I with 12 points, extending their lead over second-placed Madagascar by two points.
Buoyed by the team’s dominant performance, Coach Otto Addo expressed his desire to maintain their position at the pinnacle of the group.
“It’s always easier when you’re on top. We want to stay there. We will try to do everything to beat Madagascar on Monday to keep the top spot,” Addo declared in his post-match interview.
The Black Stars now turn their focus to a crucial Round 6 clash against Madagascar, scheduled to take place on Monday, March 24, in Morocco. A victory would solidify their place at the top and bring them one step closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 22, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Benjamin Asare’s impressive debut for the Black Stars has sparked excitement and raised hopes that Ghana may have found their next great goalkeeper. The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper delivered a calm and heroic performance in Ghana’s commanding 5-0 victory over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
His composed display drew comparisons to legendary Ghanaian goalkeeper Sammy Adjei, who was known for his reliability between the posts. With Ghana struggling to find a consistent number-one goalkeeper in recent years, Asare’s assured showing has given fans reason to believe that the search might be over.
Despite having little to do for much of the game, Asare handled Chad’s occasional threats with confidence and controlled his penalty area with authority. His stellar performance, combined with his exceptional form in the Ghana Premier League, suggests he could be on the path to securing the national team’s number-one spot for the foreseeable future.
Ghanaian football fans took to social media to praise Asare’s debut, expressing hope that he can maintain his form and become a long-term solution to Ghana’s goalkeeping concerns.
