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.

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