Veteran sports journalist Michael Oti Adjei has openly called for the dismissal of Black Stars coach Otto Addo, questioning whether he is truly the right man to lead Ghana forward despite an impressive World Cup qualifying record.
Michael Oti Adjei Calls for Otto Addo’s Sack Despite Strong Qualifying Record 3
Speaking on Joy Sports on September 21, 2025, Oti Adjei expressed shock that a coach could guide Ghana through eight qualifiers, winning six, drawing one, and losing just one, yet still leave doubts about his competence.
“I don’t understand how a coach goes through a World Cup qualifier, plays eight games, wins all but draws one, loses one, and the following day the conversation is, is he a good coach?” Oti Adjei stated firmly. “If after such a record we are still asking this question, then maybe Otto Addo is not the right coach for Ghana. He should go.”
His remarks add fresh fuel to the already heated debate surrounding Otto Addo’s future. Despite solid results, many critics argue that his tactical approach and game management fail to convince at the highest level.
Oti Adjei insists that Ghana must look beyond the numbers and focus on the bigger picture: “This is the Black Stars. We cannot settle for mediocrity dressed up as success. If the trust is not there, then it is time to move on.”
The call for Otto Addo’s sack from a respected voice like Oti Adjei is sure to intensify discussions among fans and the Ghana Football Association in the coming weeks.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has officially lodged a petition with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), expressing concern over persistent verbal attacks directed at him during national team matches.
Otto Addo Petitions GFA Over Verbal Attacks From Fans and Media 6
According to Addo, sections of the media and some supporters have continually targeted him with harsh criticisms and insults, creating a hostile environment that threatens both his focus and the morale of the team. He emphasized that while constructive criticism is part of the job, the personal and aggressive nature of these attacks has gone too far.
In his petition, Addo urged the GFA to intervene and establish measures that will protect the technical team from undue verbal abuse. He further warned that the current atmosphere could affect player performance and derail the collective efforts of the national team as they prepare for crucial international assignments.
The GFA is yet to issue an official response, but the development has already sparked conversations among football stakeholders and fans. Some argue that criticism is part of the game, while others believe coaches and players deserve a more supportive environment to succeed.
Otto Addo, who returned as Black Stars coach to lead the team through upcoming qualifiers, remains committed to his role but insists that fair treatment and respect are essential for progress.
The future of Ghana’s Black Stars coaching role has once again become a hot topic of debate among football enthusiasts, analysts, and stakeholders. With Otto Addo steering Ghana to impressive results in recent fixtures, including a crucial victory against Mali, many are questioning whether he should continue as head coach or if the Ghana Football Association (GFA) should consider a fresh direction under Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet.
Otto Addo, who previously led Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has built a reputation as a disciplined, modern, and tactically flexible manager. His recent form with the national team has reignited hope among supporters that Ghana could not only qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also make a meaningful impact on the global stage. Addo’s knowledge of Ghanaian football, connection with young talents, and ability to blend local and foreign-based players have been widely praised.
Should Otto Addo Stay or Should Tom Saintfiet Take Over the Black Stars? 9
On the other hand, Tom Saintfiet, who recently parted ways with the Gambian national team after years of steady progress, is being linked as a potential replacement. Saintfiet’s coaching résumé includes stints across Africa, Asia, and Europe, earning him a reputation as a seasoned tactician who thrives in building underdog teams into competitive forces. His experience with The Gambia, where he led the Scorpions to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, is seen by some as proof of his ability to maximize limited resources.
The question now dividing fans and pundits is whether Ghana needs continuity or change. Proponents of Otto Addo argue that consistency is vital, especially as the Black Stars look to solidify a youthful squad and build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Critics, however, believe that Ghana needs a coach with broader international experience and a proven record of turning teams into tournament contenders, pointing to Saintfiet as a viable option.
As pressure mounts, the GFA is expected to carefully weigh its decision. For many Ghanaians, the ultimate priority is not just qualification but restoring the Black Stars to their former glory on the global stage. Whether Otto Addo remains at the helm or Tom Saintfiet takes over, the choice will shape the future of Ghanaian football for years to come.
Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo is on the brink of making history after guiding the Black Stars to a crucial victory over Mali in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The hard-fought win has placed Ghana in a commanding position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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If successful, Addo will become the first coach in Ghana’s history to qualify the national team for two separate World Cup tournaments. He was the man in charge when the Black Stars secured their ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Ghana made headlines with spirited performances against Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
This latest triumph over Mali has not only reignited the team’s hopes but also strengthened Addo’s growing reputation as a tactician capable of managing the pressures of international football. Many fans and pundits have praised his ability to build a squad that blends youthful energy with experience, giving Ghana a competitive edge in the qualifiers.
For the players, Addo’s leadership has been a source of inspiration. “He knows how to get the best out of us,” one team member said after the match. “We believe in his vision, and we want to make him proud by completing this journey.”
With more qualifying matches still ahead, the road is far from over. However, the victory over Mali has given Ghana a significant boost and set the stage for what could be another historic milestone in the nation’s football history.
Should Addo achieve this feat, he will cement his place as one of Ghana’s most successful national team coaches, etching his name permanently into Black Stars folklore.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has heaped praise on midfielder Kwasi Sibo following his impressive debut for the senior national team. Sibo, who recently joined the squad, made his first appearance in Ghana’s crucial qualifier and immediately caught the attention of both fans and technical handlers.
Speaking after the match, Otto Addo highlighted the midfielder’s strong mentality and seamless integration into the squad.
Otto Addo Praises Kwasi Sibo After Impressive Black Stars Debut 15
“I think he really did well,” Addo said. “It’s not easy to come from a different environment to fit into this world (team), but he knows a lot of players in the team already, and he connected well. He’s very self-confident, and I think he did extremely well, especially considering this was his first performance – he’s a warrior throughout, you could see.”
Sibo, who made headlines weeks ago after a viral jersey swap moment with French superstar Kylian Mbappé, has since carried that confidence onto the international stage. His debut showcased not only his resilience but also his ability to adapt quickly under pressure.
Fans and analysts have already tipped him as one to watch in the coming fixtures, with many noting that his presence in midfield adds a new dynamic to the Black Stars setup.
Otto Addo’s endorsement is expected to boost Sibo‘s confidence further as Ghana continues its journey in the qualifiers. The young midfielder will now look to cement his place in the team and build on this promising start.
Ghana Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has stated that he is unfazed by the statistics surrounding his record of wins and losses with the national team.
Speaking to the media, the coach emphasized that football is about more than numbers on paper. According to him, his focus remains on building a competitive team that can deliver consistent performances on the pitch, rather than worrying about critics dissecting his results.
Otto Addo – Blackstars Coach
“I don’t allow statistics to dictate my emotions. What matters most to me is progress, teamwork, and how the players respond to the philosophy we are building,” Addo explained.
The Black Stars coach added that his priority is ensuring Ghana qualifies for upcoming tournaments and restores its reputation as a dominant force in African football. While some fans have expressed concern about recent performances, Otto Addo maintained that patience and support are crucial for success.
He further noted that football results often fluctuate, but the foundation of a strong team takes time to solidify. “I remain committed to the job. Our focus is on development, discipline, and results will come naturally,” he assured.
The Black Stars continue preparations for their next international assignments, with expectations high for improved performances under his leadership.
Well-known media personality Nana Aba Anamoah (sometimes referred to simply as “Nana Aba”) launched a scathing critique of Ghana head coach Otto Addo, following the Black Stars’ surprising 1-1 draw against Chad on 4 September 2025. She described the result as “embarrassing” and suggested that Addo’s tactics and preparation were to blame for Ghana’s lackluster performance.
Nana Aba Anamoah Slams Otto Addo: Otto Addo „Abon“ 21
Otto Addo Fires Back at Team Performance
In his post-match press conference, Addo expressed his deep frustration over Ghana’s inability to convert domination into a win. Despite controlling possession, registering numerous attempts and corners, the Black Stars still failed to seal victory. As he put it:
“I can’t say we played excellently … because it was a draw. … We had a lot of corners, a lot of shots … and normally we have to win this game.”
Blaming the Conditions
Addo also pointed to the poor pitch conditions in N’Djamena, condemning the hard, dried-out surface for slowing down his team’s fluid European-style play:
“The pitch was very slow for us … When it’s not watered … we can’t play fast … it’s a disadvantage for us.”
The Match at a Glance
Date & Venue: 4 September 2025 at Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, N’Djamena, Chad Ghana Goalscorer: Jordan Ayew (17th minute) Chad Equalizer: Celestine Ecua (88th minute), marking Chad’s first World Cup qualifying point Group I Standings: Ghana remain top with 16 points, Madagascar second with 13, Mali third with 12.
Stakes & What’s Next
Ghana now turns its attention to a pivotal Group I fixture against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, 8 September 2025 at 19:00 GMT. A win will help them secure top spot—and direct qualification—while any slip-up could open the door for rivals.
Nana Aba Anamoah Slams Otto Addo: Otto Addo „Abon“ 22
Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to take place in early September. The team will face Chad in N’Djamena on 4 September, followed by a home match against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on 8 September.
Otto Addo Names Ghana’s 24-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali 26
Squad Highlights
Returnees & Stars: The squad includes key regulars such as Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Antoine Semenyo, and Iñaki Williams . Noteworthy Call-ups: Derrick Arthur Köhn earns his first senior call-up from Union Berlin . Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta BC) also returns to the fold, alongside midfielder Elisha Owusu after injury . Additional inclusions include Jonas Adjetey, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Joseph Paintsil, Tariq Lamptey, Caleb Yirenkyi, and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati Zigi (St. Gallen) Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic) Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) — the only home-based player selected, and Ghana’s newly appointed first-choice keeper.
Squad Breakdown by Position (Based on MetroTVOnline summary):
Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Derrick Arthur Köhn, Mohammed Salisu, Jerome Opoku, Alexander Djiku, Jonas Adjetey, Tariq Lamptey, Caleb Yirenkyi Midfielders: Elisha Owusu, Mohammed Kudus, Ibrahim Osman, Ibrahim Sulemana, Thomas Partey, Abdul Salis Samed Forwards: Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Joseph Paintsil, Jerry Afriyie, Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Iñaki Williams.
Key Absences
Andre “Dede” Ayew has once again been omitted from the squad, drawing significant attention given his long-standing presence in the team.
What This Means for Ghana’s World Cup Quest
Ghana currently tops CAF Group I, with a solid points lead in the race for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup . The blend of established internationals and fresh talent indicates Otto Addo’s strategy of balancing experience with youth in the high-stakes campaign ahead.
Otto Addo Names Ghana’s 24-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali 27
Legal Troubles Cast Shadow Over National Team Prospects
Ghana’s veteran midfielder Thomas Partey, aged 32, is facing the very real possibility of being excluded from the Black Stars squad ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. This development comes as Partey wrestles with serious legal charges that have brought his international career under intense scrutiny.
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Charges and Judicial Timeline
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has formally charged Partey with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged incidents dating back to 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal . On August 5, 2025, he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and was granted conditional bail; his next hearing is scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey .
Partey has publicly denied all allegations, with his lawyer affirming that he has “fully cooperated with the police and CPS” throughout the investigation, and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name” . Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of protecting the alleged victims and ensuring a fair trial.
Club Career Amid Turmoil
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey has resumed his club career. Having left Arsenal at the end of June 2025, he has since signed with Villarreal CF, making an appearance in their early campaign . His time at Arsenal was marked by both prominence and criticism — he played regularly while under investigation, which drew condemnation from fans and advocacy groups for sexual violence survivors.
National Team Uncertainty
Ghana coach Otto Addo is expected to soon announce the squad for matchday 7 and 8 of the World Cup qualifiers, with Ghana set to face Chad on September 4 in N’Djamena and Mali on September 8 in Accra . Ghana currently tops Group I after six games and is vying for qualification to the World Cup for the fifth time .
However, with his court appearance scheduled just 48 hours before the first qualifier, Partey’s inclusion in the squad remains doubtful . Reports from multiple Ghanaian outlets—including GhanaSoccernet, Adomonline, ModernGhana, and Pulse—indicate that Partey is likely to be left out of the squad due to his unresolved legal situation.
Footballing Impact and Broader Implications
Partey’s absence would deprive Ghana of a key midfield anchor. Since debuting for the Black Stars, he has earned over 50 caps, scored multiple goals, and played a pivotal role in past Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup campaigns.
Internationally, the situation underscores a broader tension: safeguarding legal due process versus the reputational and competitive implications for high-profile athletes facing criminal charges. As he awaits trial, the football world watches closely, aware that the outcomes could reshape part of his legacy — either a comeback through vindication or a career marred by controversy.
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Conclusion
Thomas Partey’s involvement with the Black Stars for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers remains shrouded in uncertainty. As his legal process unfolds, both his club and national team futures hang in the balance. A decision by Otto Addo either way will reflect the delicate interplay between footballing priorities and ethical considerations, with Ghana’s World Cup ambitions potentially impacted by factors off the pitch.
In the wake of Ghana’s faltering performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and struggles during World Cup qualification, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has embarked on sweeping reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the national game.
A Wake-Up Call
Following the Black Stars’ exit from AFCON 2025 and failure to qualify for its final tournament in over 20 years, the GFA took decisive action. In November 2024, they dissolved the Management Committee overseeing the Black Stars and acknowledged the need to rebuild trust and effectiveness by inviting stakeholder input at a national football retreat at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Miotso.
Clubs Demand Change
Leading local clubs—Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak—have demanded major reforms. Their joint submission to the GFA called for improved matchday safety, including police and military presence at high-risk fixtures, transparent licensing, and autonomy over league administration.
What Reforms Look Like
Transparency & Governance: The GFA has released a roadmap for increased transparency, including public reporting on offsides, refereeing, and financials. A “Referee Oversight Task Force” will monitor officiating integrity. Security Overhaul: Matchday protocols now align with FIFA recommendations—security personnel redeployed from other regions, surveillance cameras are mandatory, and police deployments are standardized for top-tier matches (). Structural Reset: Under Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo, the GFA is developing long-term strategic plans focused on rebuilding support structures for national teams and academies . Youth & Infrastructure: Upgrades at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre include floodlights, modern dormitories, and resumption of national youth and women’s programs, offering a modern training environment.
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Voices from the Field
• Kurt Okraku, GFA President, said reforms are vital: “The clarion call… we have to react positively as a family” during security upgrades and commissioner training.
• Otto Addo, coach of the Black Stars, welcomed structural changes, particularly the development of youth pathways essential for future World Cup and AFCON success.
• Clubs expressed cautious optimism. A Kotoko official described security reforms as “encouraging,” but stressed continued monitoring to ensure lasting impact.
• Sports analysts noted that without cultural change, reforms risk tokenism. A research report cited by Citi Newsroom suggests persistent issues with conflicts of interest unless governance is also addressed.
Public & Fan Reaction
Fans have met the reforms with mixed responses. Some see a new, accountable direction; others, disappointed with past broken promises, are awaiting tangible results. Social media debates surged, with one Reddit user lamenting, “the whole GFA needs a complete overhaul, it’s just rotten to the core”.
The Road Ahead
Implementation Timeline: GFA aims to enforce security and transparency reforms before the November 2025 domestic season. Performance Metrics: Progress will be measured by improvements in youth team results (U‑17, U‑20), better Black Stars standings, and reduced matchday incidents. Continued Scrutiny: With Ghana re-entering classic AFCON and World Cup qualifying cycles, the GFA’s actions will face tight observation from government bodies, sponsors, and international football authorities.
Final Whistle
Ghanaian football stands at a pivotal fork. After years of mismanagement and disappointing results, the GFA’s current reforms could mark a transformative era—if they are implemented sincerely and transparently. For fans, the promise is clear: a game rebuilt from the grassroots, for the grassroots.
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