Sports
Otto Addo’s Impact on Black Stars (Final Part)
Otto Addo’s second coming did not immediately change the team’s lackluster display in any way but did what matters in the game of football – grinded the results to achieve the ultimate dream.
Otto Addo proved that he was a mastermind in plotting big wins. Just like he got that huge draw in Nigeria for the Qatar World Cup, he stunned Mali in front of their fans, registering a 2-1 win with goals from Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew to change the dynamics in the group.
He followed it up with a 4-3 victory over Central Africa Republic with a hat-trick from Jordan Ayew and a goal from Fatawu Isshahaku to silence a stubborn CAR side.
From this stage, Ghana’s stranglehold in the group was seen and felt by all but strangely with inconsistent displays.
Otto Addo’s next assignment was a seemingly easy outing against Chad which the Stars won 5-0 with goals coming from Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and substitute Ernest Nuamah.
Otto Addo’s unbeaten and impressive run continued as the Black Stars thrashed Madagascar 3-0 with Thomas Partey registering his name on the score sheet with a brace and Mohammed Kudus also scoring.
That amplified expectations of another demolition exercise ahead of the second leg tie with the whipping boys of the group, Chad, but that ended in disappointment after the Chadians pulled a late equaliser to draw 1-1.
It happened to be the only point Chad got from the qualifiers and also reignited conversations about Otto Addo’s quality.
However, the Black Stars bounced back with another spirited performance to trounce Central Africa Republic 5-0 in Morocco and finished off with a solitary goal victory over Comoros to climax the qualifying period that spanned over a year.
Judging by performance, one remains unconvincing about the team’s play and does not look like a team capable of making a huge impact at the global football extravaganza.
Otto Addo knows this more than any other person. At his post-match press conference, he admitted that the current team comes nowhere near the epoch-making South Africa 2010 team that reached the quarter-finals of the championship.
But at this point, it is important to know what the fans want; good performance against a result-oriented game plan. Clearly, those calling for Otto Addo’s crucifixion based on performance can be justified in a way as the team lacks rhythm and is still struggling to gel.
However, on the issue of the deliverables, he has passed with distinction, having supervised a side that is not appealing to watch but keeps getting the results to meet his target.
Without doubt, Otto Addo has improved the team’s discipline in both defence and attack. It became evident that in the case where the opposition poses threats, he finds a way to contain them and, at the same time, find a way to score and defend that slim lead.
With the same strategy, he was able to mastermind the thrashing of countries like Chad and CAR based on the formations they employ.
Qualification is now certain, and energies and discussions must focus on building a formidable team to represent Ghana at the championship.
Within this short space of time, various views have been expressed about which players should be selected. But just as it has always been, player selection should remain a preserve of the coach and no form of interference must be entertained.
Gradually, he is earning the respect and confidence of the players who are beginning to play for each other, and team performance is getting better.
What this means is that the team is beginning to gel, and with the right preparation, Coach Otto Addo can parade a team to do better than the squad he presented in Qatar. Eight months would be too short to bring a new replacement who would practically start from scratch.
In my view, give Otto Addo the nod.
By Andrew Nortey
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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has refuted false media reports attributed to the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams.
According to the FA, the Minister did not call the bluff of the Queens.
They added in a press statement that at no point in the meeting did the Minister dared the players to boycott the return league and leave camp.
The Football Association further urged the media and the general public to rally behind the Black Queens by turning up in their numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium on today to cheer them up.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read the statement below
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken notice of widespread media reports alleging that the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, “called off the bluff” of the Black Queens during a meeting and dared them to boycott the return leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt on Tuesday.
The GFA wishes to categorically deny and clarify these reports as false and misleading. The facts are as follows:
- A meeting was held involving the Minister of Sports and Recreation, the GFA President and the leadership of the Black Queens to discuss outstanding financial matters and preparations for the second- leg fixture following the team’s impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg against Egypt.
- During the meeting, the Minister appealed to the conscience of the players to remain focused and to honour the return-leg fixture, while assuring them that the Government is taking immediate steps to resolve the financial impasse.
- At no point did the Minister “call off the bluff” of the players or instruct them to boycott the upcoming match. Such reports are entirely inaccurate and do not reflect the spirit or content of the discussions that took place.
- The GFA continues to work closely and harmoniously with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to address the concerns of the players and ensure that the Black Queens receive the necessary support to excel.
The Ghana Football Association urges the media and the public to disregard the misleading reports and to rely on official communications from the GFA and the Ministry regarding matters of national football importance.
The GFA remains committed to fostering transparency, unity and collaboration among all stakeholders as the Black Queens continue their quest for qualification to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Football Association urges the media and the general public to rally behind the Black Queens by turning up in their numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday to cheer the team on to victory. The unwavering support of Ghanaians will serve as a strong motivation for the players as they seek to complete their qualification campaign in style and make the nation proud.
The Confederation of African Football Confederation has appointed Namibian referee Antsino Ndemugwanitha Twanyanyukwa to officiate the crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifier between the Black Queens and Egypt this Today.
The match is scheduled for 3:30 PM at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Twanyanyukwa will be assisted by a duo of Zambian officials, Diana Chikotesha and Nancy Kasitu, serving as Assistant Referee 1 and 2, respectively.
Completing the all-female on-field officiating team is another Namibian, Nuusiku Vistoria Shangula, who will act as the Fourth Official.
The encounter is a highly anticipated rematch, as Egypt hosted Ghana in the first leg and suffered a 3-0 defeat. The Black Queens will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and secure another victory to solidify their position in the qualifiers.
The Match Commissioner for the fixture is Chisom Adaobi Ezeoke of Nigeria, while Tesfanesh Woreta Haitu from Ethiopia will serve as the referee assessor, ensuring the officials’ performance is up to the required standard.
