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 stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
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
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