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Otto Addo prepares Black Stars for tough Madagascar clash in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has acknowledged the tough challenge that awaits his team as they prepare to face Madagascar in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday.
The Black Stars moved to the top of Group I after a commanding 5-0 victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium. The team will now shift focus to their crucial fixture against Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco, where a win would solidify their position as group leaders and edge them closer to qualification.
However, Otto Addo, speaking in a post-match interview after the win against Chad, insisted that the upcoming game against Madagascar would be a far more difficult test for his side.
“First of all, I am happy that we won and also that we scored a lot of goals, but to be honest, we have to concentrate on Monday; it will be a different game. It will be much, much difficult and we are already thinking ahead of that game,” he stated.
He praised his players for their strong performance against Chad and also expressed gratitude to stakeholders who have continued to back the team.
“I think the boys have done well and we want to congratulate them. We want to thank the President, the Sports Minister for supporting us, the media also for supporting us, giving us good vibes and the people of Ghana for still supporting us despite difficulties in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” he added.
Analysing Madagascar’s strengths
Otto Addo highlighted Madagascar’s impressive form, particularly their 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic, stressing that they are a well-organised side and would pose a serious threat to Ghana’s ambitions.
Like I said, it’s going to be very, very tough for us. But the preparation starts now. It’s good that we won, and we can focus on that now,” he noted.
Match details
The highly anticipated encounter between Ghana and Madagascar is set to kick off at 7pm local time on Monday. A win for Ghana would further cement their lead in Group I, boosting their chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Source: graphic online
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ ambition to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The four-time African champions boosted their chances of making it to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with consecutive victories in March.
Wins against Chad and Madagascar propelled Ghana to the top of Group I, currently holding 15 points with four matches remaining in the qualification campaign.
Speaking to 3Sports, the Arsenal midfielder shared his optimism about Ghana making their fifth appearance at the World Cup.
“As players, we are determined to be at the World Cup again. We experienced how amazing it was last time, and we want to be there once more. Hopefully, we win the remaining matches and secure our spot,” said the 31-year-old.
The Black Stars are set to reconvene in September for Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures against Chad and Mali.
Ghana coach Otto Addo will have the full complement of his squad today after opening training on Monday, May 26.
The Black Stars kicked off their training session with 16 players in England ahead of the 2005 Unity Cup games.
The rest of the players are, however, expected to join the camp today, Tuesday, May 27.
Players who trained yesterday are Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Tetteh Anang, Gideon Mensah, Razak Simpson, Mamudu Kamaradini, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Salis Samed, Abu Francis, Majeed Ashimeru, Lawrence Agyekum, Christopher Baah Bonsu, Jordan Ayew, Stephan Ambrosius, Brandon-Thomas Asante, and Kwame Opoku.
However, Abdul Aziz Issah joined the squad on Monday night.
The other players who are expected to join camp today are Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Salisu, Aaron Essel, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena Gyan, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini.
Ghana will compete with Nigeria, Jamaica, as well as Trinidad and Tobago for the ultimate.
Ghana will take on Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in West London on Wednesday, May 28, for a slot in the final on Saturday, May 31.
The winner will face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Source: Ghana Soccer
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