Sports
Otto Addo satisfied with Unity Cup performance, eyes World Cup Qualifiers in September
Coach Otto Addo has expressed satisfaction with the team’s win against Trinidad and Tobago and the spirited performance against Nigeria in the Unity Cup, praising new players’ and noting the challenge of selecting the best players for the World Cup qualifiers in September due to the high level of talent.
Otto appreciates opportunities like the Unity Cup for evaluating players but acknowledges scheduling constraints.
The former Ghana winger plans to continue monitoring players, including those injured, and preparing for the World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September.
He emphasizes the importance of staying humble and working hard to achieve their goals.
On win against Trinidad and Tobago
I am very satisfied; we brought in new players, again, who are fresh, and I think we really did well in the first half, to press, to create chances, except this one situation where they had a shot on target which flew in front of the post. Everything went well and I am very, very satisfied that everybody could show himself.
On the players performance in two matches
The challenge is on. A lot of players showed that they can compete at the highest level, and this makes my work hard. But this is how we want it. You can see that in Ghana there is a lot of talent, and I am happy to give them the chance in this tournament.
This will make the decisions a little bit more difficult even though we played well in our last World Cup qualifying games. We really have to think about how to include one, two or three players. I don’t know, let’s see. We will still observe them. We will look at how their season will go, next season. I am happy for them to have holidays now. They should rest to start fresh and surely how they will perform with their clubs will also decide in the end for September.
On getting more games like the Unity Cup
If possible, why not. The calendar is very, very tight for a lot of clubs in Europe especially. That is why I think it would be difficult. But if we could arrange something like this more often, it would be really, really good because it gives me a bigger and brighter picture of all the players. It was a good competition for us, like I said this tournament, despite the results was a big, big win for us because it answered a lot of questions for us.
On plan from now until September
Surely, I will be visiting players like I always do when the season starts. I will be watching matches and come together with my team to decide who will come for the next game. We are really looking forward to that; we want to start to start with a win in the World Cup qualifiers against Chad. Before that we will start to prepare well. There is also a lot of injured players, we will keep in touch with them and stay connected so that when we come together in September, everybody will be ready to do the job.
On being calm now that results and performance are getting better
It’s always easier to work when you win. But on the other hand, we have to stay humble. We have to keep on working. If anybody thinks we are already at the World Cup, I can guarantee you, it’s not like that. I have seen too many things in football and we really, really have to work hard to fulfil our aim.
Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
