by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The atmosphere at the Black Stars’ camp is buzzing with energy as Ghana’s national team intensifies preparations for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad.
After days of gradual arrivals, the entire squad was finally assembled for a full training session on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in their buildup to the big game. Ghana Football Association Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirmed the news, expressing satisfaction with the team’s progress.
“We started receiving players on Sunday, with ten arriving that day,” Asante Twum told Peace FM. “By Monday night, the number had increased to 23, and yesterday, we had the full squad in training.”
The Black Stars had a recovery session on Monday, with nine players participating, while Mohammed Kudus was given an exemption. However, with all hands now on deck, the team is laser-focused on Friday’s showdown.
Ghana will take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21st at 19:00 GMT, aiming to secure a crucial win in their World Cup qualification journey.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, stepped onto the Accra Sports Stadium pitch ahead of the Black Stars’ crucial World Cup qualifier against Chad and couldn’t hide his delight. The sight before him was a far cry from the concerns he had expressed last year when the playing surface hindered his team’s fluidity during AFCON qualifiers.
Now, with a well-maintained pitch, Addo believes Ghana is in a better position to deliver a dominant performance. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, he emphasized the importance of the improvement.
“I’m very happy that the pitch looks much, much better. For me, this is very important. I think now we are on a good path, and I know that we will create a lot of chances and the goals will come,” Addo said with optimism.
As Ghana prepares to face Chad on Friday, March 21, the Black Stars are eager to seize control of Group I. With a better playing surface and home support behind them, the stage is set for an exciting encounter.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The atmosphere at the Black Stars’ training ground was tense yet filled with determination. The echoes of Ghana’s heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) still lingered in the air. For Otto Addo, the weight of disappointment was immense, but so was his resolve to make amends.
Standing before the press ahead of Ghana’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Chad, the head coach took a deep breath and addressed the nation.
“I am truly sorry for what happened,” he said, his voice steady but filled with regret. “As head coach, I take responsibility. But we are in this together. When we win, we all win; when we lose, we all lose. The biggest problem was scoring goals, especially in the home games.”
Ghana’s qualification campaign had ended in heartbreak, capped by a stunning defeat to Niger in Kumasi. The disappointment had sparked criticism from fans and pundits alike. But Otto Addo was not ready to dwell on the past. He was looking ahead, calling on Ghanaians to rally behind the team as they embarked on their World Cup qualification journey.
“I need everybody,” he pleaded. “I want to thank the country for the support so far—the president, the sports minister, and every Ghanaian who stands with us.”
His words carried weight, but actions would speak louder. Just a day earlier, President John Dramani Mahama had visited the team’s training camp, accompanied by Sports Minister Kofi Adams. Their message was clear—Ghana stood with the Black Stars, despite the setbacks.
Now, as the team prepared for Chad, the question remained: could Otto Addo and his men turn their disappointment into motivation? Could they reignite the passion of a nation still yearning for glory?
The road to redemption had begun.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As Ghana prepares for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, head coach Otto Addo has cautioned that the upcoming clash against Chad will be anything but easy.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Addo acknowledged that while Chad may not be a powerhouse in Group I, the Black Stars cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. He urged Ghanaians to rally behind the team as they aim for a vital victory.
“I know Chad is not a top team, but believe me, it’s not going to be easy. We need all the support we can get,” the coach emphasized.
Currently sitting third in the group standings, Ghana will look to secure a win on Friday, March 21, as they host Madagascar in Round 5 of the qualifiers. A victory could see the Black Stars rise to the top of the group, keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana head coach Otto Addo is approaching the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, regardless of the outcome on the pitch.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s crucial clash with Chad, Addo emphasized his dedication to learning and refining his coaching approach.
“I am a person who is always learning. Win or lose, I am always eager to learn, always eager to improve myself. I know surely when we lose, everybody will ask what did I learn, and you learn the most out of losses,” he stated in a pre-game press conference.
“And when I win also, I look at what could have been done better. That is me. I always try to improve myself, improve my team, which is very important, and look at the areas we can improve ourselves,” he added.
The Black Stars wrapped up their preparations today at the Accra Sports Stadium, where they will take on Chad on March 21st at 19:00 GMT.
