Tag Archives: World Cup qualifiers

Otto Addo Unbothered by Statistics of Wins and Losses

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.

Sports spotlight: Elisha Owusu suspension and club reflections after Democracy Cup

Summary:

Two notable developments in Ghanaian football: midfielder Elisha Owusu will miss Ghana’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mali due to suspension. Meanwhile, club-level news sees Kwesi Asmah, of Hearts of Oak, urging realism after their recent win in the Democracy Cup.

Details:

Owusu suspension: The GFA confirmed that the midfielder is ineligible for selection for the decisive match versus Mali, weakening Ghana’s midfield options. Hearts of Oak caution: Despite lifting the Democracy Cup trophy against rivals Great Olympics, Kwesi Asmah cautions that expectations must be grounded, emphasizing process over lofty target-setting.

Broader football context:

World Cup prep: Ghana’s qualifiers are highly anticipated—team discipline and squad depth remain key. Club morale: Hearts of Oak’s measured tone reflects a strategic focus on sustainability rather than momentary success.

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Black Stars Pegged Back by Chad in Dramatic 1–1 World Cup Qualifier Draw

N’Djamena, Chad – September 4, 2025 – In a tense Group I clash at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, Ghana were held to a stoppage-time 1–1 draw by Chad, ending their winning run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Goals & Key Moments

Jordan Ayew gave Ghana the lead in the 17th minute, converting a simple tap-in from a Mohammed Kudus assist. It was Ayew’s sixth goal of the qualifying campaign, placing him among the top scorers in the group  . Just as Ghana appeared set on cruising to another win, Chad substitute Célestin Ecua struck a stunning equaliser in the 89th minute. His composed finish inside the box stunned both the Black Stars and visiting supporters.

Tactical Flow

Ghana controlled possession for much of the match, creating multiple chances but failing to find the killer second goal. Chad’s disciplined and physical approach successfully frustrated the visitors after the break.

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Coach Otto Addo turned to his bench in the final quarter, introducing Kamaldeen Sulemana, Francis Bonsu Baah, and Osman Ibrahim in search of a breakthrough. Yet Chad held firm and capitalised on Ghana’s lateness to claim a morale-boosting draw.

Why It Matters

Ghana remain top of Group I with 16 points from seven games, though their grip has loosened. Comoros sit second on 12 points, with Madagascar and Mali trailing closely  . The result effectively ends Chad’s hopes of qualification—they remain rooted to the bottom with just one point from seven matches.

What’s Next?

Ghana now turn their attention to a decisive home meeting with Mali on September 8, where a win could significantly strengthen their position in the group. Meanwhile, Chad take solace from a spirited performance that produced their first qualification point.

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Bottom Line

What looked to be another routine win for the Ivory Coast-bound Black Stars ended in unexpected drama, as Chad delivered a stirring late equaliser. Ghana’s advantage in Group I narrows, leaving the race for qualification intriguingly open.

Otto Addo Names Ghana’s 24-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali

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.

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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.

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