Sports
We must stay focused after dominant win over Madagascar – Otto Addo
Our head coach, Otto Addo, faced the media after our dominant 3-0 win over Madagascar on Monday.
Thomas Partey scored a brace, while Kudus Mohammed also found the net in either half, giving the Black Stars their fifth win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In his post-match interview, Otto Addo touched on scoring from set-pieces, staying focused in the remaining matches, and fighting until the end.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the game against Madagascar
First of all, big congratulations to the team for the three points. The work ethic today, was exceptional. I think we started well, which led to some free-kicks. One of the free-kicks we used well to score and then from there, I have to say, Madagascar played really, really well. They put pressure on us without creating any big, big chances. But you could see the movements, they played well. But we defensively were very, very solid and I’m happy for that. In the second half, I think the guys needed just 50 minutes.
And then now, in the second half, we came over really, really well. We controlled the game, we had a lot of free-kicks again, which were really, really good. Also well done to our captain, Jordan, who had to take three assists, which is really, really amazing. Thomas took goals. It was really decisive, the execution of the free-kicks, but also the positioning in the box. We were very, very happy for that.
And then we started to play. We played well. Surely, in the last ten minutes, maybe we got a little bit more pressure, but I think we defended well again with clean sheets. So, yeah, we are very, very happy. I think we are taking a very, very big step, but it’s not done yet. We still have to work hard to qualify for the World Cup. There’s still a lot of work to do. But I think we are happy that we are in a good position.
On two wins against Chad and Madagascar sending out a statement
Yeah, I think, like I said, it’s not done yet. So, we still have to work hard. This is football. Things can turn very, very fast. As a national coach, you always have to wait for some months before you can get the team together to play again. But, I’m very, very happy for the results, for the way that we played. I think it was, at the end, well-deserved. And, yeah, we’re looking forward to the other games.
We can’t change the past. We have to look forward and try our best to use this position in which we are now to qualify for the World Cup.
On Madagascar
I think after we led 1-0, they came up well. You can see that they are good players, very, very good runs, good positioning in between the lines. But, also, I think we defended well. We didn’t allow too many chances in the second half. I think it was a good shot at the counter. We know that they are very, very good at counters. Big, big compliment to Thomas and Abu-Francis for closing the centre and stopping them from setting their counters well. Defensive line was very, very solid. But, I have to say, it’s a very, very strong team. I think they have a good future.
On scoring from set-pieces
I think we analysed well that, for example, against Sudan, we had 16 set-pieces. And, yeah, we were also a little bit unlucky. This is also a combination of, maybe, the last will, but also unlucky. I think Sudan, Djiku hit the post. If this ball had gone in, it would have been another story. We created a lot of chances. I know that this is football. If you work hard and you have the patience, the results will come.
This is what happens now. I have to also pay big, big respect for the assistant coaches, Gregory and also Desmond who are working hard, who are trying to find new ideas. I think it worked well. Like I said, we won deservedly.
On Benjamin Asare
At the moment, he’s the number one. We decided for him. He did well in training. Like I said, it’s not like he’s here and the others are there. So, we have a good situation where the goalkeepers are pushing each other, really, really helpful. The way Ati-Zigi and Wolcott also behaved during this week. And the way they also tried to push Benjamin to help him, to support him, which is not that common. I don’t take it for granted, but big, big props for them for pushing him, for giving him hints, you know. And this is good teamwork. And Benjamin really deserved it. He did well in the league but also in the training, the little training we had, he did very, very well and I’m happy for him.
On opening a five-point gap in Group I
Yeah, I think we’re in a good position but this is also a danger. And now already thinking about how to keep our heads focused. The job is really, really not done. Surely, maybe if Comoros win, we’re just three points ahead of Comoros. And we still have a long way to go. We have to be focused. If anyone thinks we’re through, then he’s making a big, big mistake. And I’ve seen a lot of football, a lot of things happening, and we have to stay focused. I’m happy for today, but like I said, the job is really not done.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club PLC has appointed Julius Ben Emunah as its new managing director, with effect from February 2, 2026.
The appointment was announced by the Board of Directors of the club in a press release issued in Accra on Tuesday.
Mr Emunah takes over from Dr Delali Anku Adiamah, who has stepped down from the position.
According to the board, the new managing director brings close to ten years of experience in football administration, governance, sports broadcasting and sports management at both national and continental levels.
Before his appointment, Mr Emunah worked as Head of Competitions at the Ghana Football Association.
He previously served as Regional Administrator at the Western Regional Football Association, National Safety and Security Officer, and Club Licensing Manager at the GFA.
The board noted that throughout his career, he has shown strong leadership in competition management, club licensing, event organisation, media relations, regulatory work and engagement with stakeholders.
It added that he has also played key roles in major competitions such as CAF interclub finals, AFCON qualifiers, CHAN and the African Games.
On his academic background, the club stated that Mr Emunah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Cape Coast and a Global Masters in Sports Management and Legal Skills with FC Barcelona at ISDE Law Business School in Spain.
The Board of Directors expressed confidence in his ability to lead Hearts of Oak into a new phase of professionalism, transparency and competitiveness in line with international standards.
As managing director, he will be in charge of the club’s administrative, commercial and sporting activities.
He is expected to work closely with the technical team, players, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders to promote growth and long term success.
Accra Hearts of Oak assured supporters and partners of its continued commitment to excellence on and off the field as the club begins this new chapter under Mr Emunah’s leadership.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Despite the numerous challenges confronting sports administration and management in Ghana, many individuals and enthusiasts still find the sector attractive enough to be associated with.
Ironically, while campaigning for executive positions within sports federations, aspirants often gloss over the very challenges that later frustrate their developmental agendas. Issues such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and logistical constraints are either downplayed or ignored entirely in the quest for power.
However, once in office, these same challenges suddenly become the primary explanations for stagnation and unfulfilled promises.
It is against this familiar backdrop that one hopes the story of Alhaji Dauda Fuseini and his team at the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) will signal a departure from the norm.
Dauda Fuseini has long been regarded as one of the most admirable figures within Ghana boxing circles. He comes into office with considerable experience, having served under the previous administration led by Bernard Quartey, where available information suggests he acquitted himself creditably.
At the GBF elections held on December 27, 2025, delegates voted out Quartey and handed the mantle to his vice, Fuseini, for reasons best known to them.
Since assuming office, Fuseini has outlined his vision to stakeholders, pledging to prioritise transparency, accountability, and the correction of mistakes from previous administrations, with the ultimate aim of revitalising amateur boxing in Ghana.
Fuseini, however, is not alone in this transformation agenda. Mr Mustapha Nettey, who retained his position as Treasurer, has also been vocal about the administration’s plans, particularly their intention to make the Black Bombers more competitive and appealing.
According to Nettey, the focus will be on rebuilding from the grassroots to the elite level, while granting coaches greater autonomy — a move he says addresses long-standing interference in their work.
“Ghana boxing is big and special. Others have come to lead. This is our time and we want to make our term memorable by changing old practices to new, modern models,” he stated in an interview with Accra-based Omashie TV.
He further assured that the new GBF leadership would make the federation attractive to sponsors, both locally and internationally.
“Our ultimate goal is to win more medals at international competitions, especially the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, as well as restore the image and respect of Ghana boxing,” he added.
These pronouncements provide useful benchmarks against which the Fuseini administration’s performance can be measured at the end of its tenure.
While optimism is commendable, it is equally important for administrators to align their ambitions with available resources, rather than relying solely on what they hope to secure.
Initiatives aimed at making the GBF self-sustaining would be welcome. However, should these efforts fall short, Fuseini and his executive will inevitably be judged by the promises they have made.
Until then, Alhaji Dauda Fuseini is officially welcome to the GBF hot seat.
By Andrew Nortey
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