Ghana’s Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has acknowledged that he would have been held responsible if his team had lost to Chad in their recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Despite a disappointing six-game winless run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) responded by strengthening the coaching team. They appointed former Cameroon and Jamaica coach Winfried Anton Schafer as a Technical Advisor, added Kris Perquy as a psychologist, and brought in Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei as an assistant to support Addo. These changes seemed to have a positive impact, as the Black Stars secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday night in their Matchday five fixture. Addressing the influence of the new technical staff, Addo emphasized the collaborative nature of football, stating that while he would have been blamed for a loss, success is the result of contributions from multiple people, including the players, fans, media, and even the groundskeepers who prepared the pitch.
The victory has significantly boosted Ghana’s standing in the qualifiers, placing them at the top of Group I with 12 points. Otto Addo noted that the improvements in the team’s performance were not solely due to the additions to the technical team but also a combination of factors, including player determination and tactical adjustments. He expressed appreciation for the overall effort put in by various stakeholders, from the coaching staff to the playing conditions. The wet pitch, in particular, provided better playability, which he credited as a contributing factor in their success. Addo remained cautious about the challenges ahead, acknowledging that the path to World Cup qualification is still competitive and requires sustained effort. He praised his squad’s resilience and adaptability, indicating that their confidence had been renewed by the emphatic win.
Ghana’s next fixture in the qualifiers will be against Madagascar on Monday in Morocco, a match that could further solidify their position at the top of the group and bring them closer to securing a World Cup spot. Otto Addo and his team are preparing for what is expected to be a challenging encounter, as Madagascar is likely to put up a strong fight. With the renewed momentum following their victory over Chad, the Black Stars are optimistic about their chances but remain focused on continuous improvement. Addo has assured fans that the team is determined to maintain their winning form and work towards securing qualification. As the competition intensifies, the influence of the newly reinforced technical team, along with the players' commitment, will be crucial in ensuring Ghana’s successful campaign.
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