Sports
Otto Addo shares his thoughts on Ghana’s chances against Angola: Transcript
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, spoke to ghanafa.org in Luanda on Thursday, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola. Seeking his first win in the qualifiers, Coach Addo shared his thoughts on the team’s atmosphere and dynamics in camp, the integration and adaptation of the new players and the challenges of facing a side that has already secured their spot in the next tournament in Morocco.
His thoughts have been captured below:
On the atmosphere going into the game
Yeah, the boys look sharp and in really good condition. (0:29) It’s a good atmosphere. We know about the importance of this match. For me, the boys look ready and sharp and like I said, it’s been a good atmosphere.
On new players and how he expects them to react
Yea, actually we had a good, positive competition in the training matches. From what I saw, they really picked up the idea of how we play. Those are the new players. I’m looking forward to seeing them all. Especially the new players, they can prove themselves. It’s a big challenge because we have a lot of injuries. The others, I think they’re hopefully ready to guide them through the game. It’s going to be very tough, very difficult. We’re looking forward to that game and I know that we will do it.
On meeting a side that have already qualified for the AFCON
Yeah, these are difficult games. You can’t take it for granted that they will play, let’s say, 50 per cent or so. I know that they (Angola) will be 100 per cent ready. It’s going to be difficult, it’s an away game. It’s going to be very, very tight, I know. But I think mentally the boys are ready. I’m looking forward to that game. It’s time for our first victory in this competition. I think it’s a great opportunity to keep the chance alive.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante insists Ghana will carry no pressure into Tuesday’s World Cup showdown with England at Boston Stadium, saying the team’s self-belief and sense of purpose outweigh outside expectations.
Brandon provided a 95th minute assist that helped Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto.
The win left both Ghana and England level on three points in Group L following the Three Lions 4-2 over Croatia in their opening match.
Speaking to ghanafa.org Thomas-Asante is adamant that external doubt only fuels the squad.
“Everything to the best ability, it’s very much a case of we back ourselves, we believe in ourselves. Whether people on the outside doubt us, believe us, or anything that’s not what we think about. We think about why we’re here. We’re on a mission,” Thomas-Asante said.
The Coventry City forward said that mission removes any weight of expectation. “That means there’s no pressure. It’s even less pressure for us,” he explained.
“We know our fans believe, but we know that some people might want to overlook us. We use that to our advantage preparing properly and believing that we can go and do something,” He added.
England and Ghana both sit on three points heading into the Foxborough clash, with the winner set to take control of Group L. Kickoff at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
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