Sports
Trusting Otto Addo to steer Stars to World Cup 2026
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/The-Black-Stars-1000x600.jpg&description=Trusting Otto Addo to steer Stars to World Cup 2026', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/The-Black-Stars-1000x600.jpg&description=Trusting Otto Addo to steer Stars to World Cup 2026', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Under Coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars of Ghana has sunk to levels not seen in over two decades of international football.
So despite the credit for qualifying Ghana to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after playing just two games against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a play-off over two legs, he’ll also go down as one of the worst coaches to occupy the office as the team’s coach.
Sadly, he has failed to do what Ghanaians expect from him – to resign honourably.
Coach Kwesi Appiah and other coaches that handled the team were forced out under similar circumstances, although performances under them came nowhere near the Otto Addo level.
So, why the FA appear calm and relaxed about Otto Addo case and feels an apology was enough to give Ghanaian fans a peaceful sleep, is mind-boggling.
Several school of thoughts have come up for this. A section has argued that the nature of his contract with the FA of Ghana by extension would require a huge compensation to kick him out.
Ghana’s economy would obviously not support that.
Others are on the view that Addo and the FA are bed-fellows, with the FA being complicit in the selection of players into the Black Stars.
This will be difficult to establish but the quality of some of the players invited into the team and the performance they demonstrate on the field of play sometimes serve enough evidence of this claim.
In such an instance, telling Otto Addo in the face that he lacks the acumen to lead the Black Stars to the Promised Land would be the FA’s biggest headache.
Under Addo, who also featured as a player for the team, the Black Stars recorded the worst result in the history of AFCON qualifiers – failing to win a single game from six games.
It becomes even more painful when one considers the strength of opponents lined up against the Stars.
Not to sound disrespectful to countries, the Black Stars and Otto Addo should have no excuse for failing to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON against the Palencas Negras of Angola, Sudan and Niger.
A bottom placement in such a group is surely alien to the Ghanaian game. That should make it easier for Addo to vacate his post.
The good or bad news, however, is that, like he explained, he’s no quitter. Otto Addo wants to show Ghanaians that he has a big heart, perhaps, similar to the Captain on the Titanic ship in that famous movie.
And since the FA is in no position to sack him, perchance to save the association or country an unspecified amount as compensation, Ghanaians must accept that harsh reality and change position or attitude towards the team.
With the first opportunity blown in our faces, the next assignment would be the qualifiers for the USA, Canada and Mexico FIFA World Cup 2026, which Ghanaians look up to in anticipation.
Barring any unforeseen development, Otto Addo may lead the onslaught on an adventure that looks even more challenging than the one that offered two slots yet the Black Stars went nowhere near it.
At this stage of the qualifiers, only one slot is allotted to the group. This situation must compel Addo and other stakeholders to aim to pay particular attention to the caliber of players selected into the national team.
Upshots of the post-Niger match press conference should guide him to know that when he allows excessive interference in player selection, he would face the brunt of Ghanaians alone.
Selection of players must be his prerogative. A few can be suggested by administrators who would suddenly begin to work as scouts but the ultimate decision must be his.
Secondly, the commitment and dedication of these players must be paramount. Obviously being an assignment aligned to the World Cup, players may show some level of commitment but those with doubt, as exhibited in the AFCON qualifiers, should be made to face the exit door irrespective of stature.
The last invitation handed to some local players and the opportunities given to Rasheed Simpson and Jerry Afriyie should make the foreign legion know that they cannot hold an entire nation to ransom.
Last and not the least, fans must overcome the shock and disappointment,s and rally around the team to qualify for the World Cup.
By Andrew Nortey
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
