Sports
Otto Addo Rallies Black Stars: “We Must Win Against CAR to Keep World Cup Dream Alive”
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s chances of defeating the Central African Republic (CAR) in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday in Meknes, Morocco.
Addressing the media ahead of the game, Addo emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and determination as Ghana looks to secure a vital victory that would move them closer to qualification.
“I just hope we’ve learned from the experience in Chad. We must stay focused until the final whistle,” Addo said. “We have to defend strongly and take our chances in attack. I’m confident we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two goals.”
The coach welcomed the return of Alidu Seidu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who have recovered from injuries and are back in the squad. “It’s not something to take for granted. They’ve worked hard to return and have been impressive in their leagues. I’m very happy to have them back,” he added.
Addo stressed that his main priority is the team’s success rather than personal glory. “I’m not thinking about myself. It’s about the team and the task ahead. We need to win this game — that’s all that matters,” he said.
Ghana currently tops their qualifying group, and Addo believes victory over CAR would put them in a commanding position to book a ticket to the World Cup. “We’re in control of our destiny. If we win this match, our chances of qualifying become very high,” he stated.
The coach also addressed the absence of striker Iñaki Williams, who withdrew due to injury. “It’s always difficult to lose players, but we’re fortunate to have depth. Brandon Thomas has been in good form, and he deserves his place,” Addo explained.
He admitted that injuries to players like Abdul Mumin and Ernest Nuamah have complicated selection decisions but said competition within the team is healthy. “It’s not easy to choose who starts, but that’s what we want — players pushing each other to perform,” he noted.
Addo downplayed any advantage of playing on neutral ground in Morocco, noting that consistency and experience would be key. “We’ve played on neutral grounds before, sometimes well, sometimes not. What matters is how we perform. I’m glad it’s an evening game; that helps our rhythm,” he said.
On handling pressure, the coach remained calm and optimistic. “Pressure is part of football. We’re used to it, and the players are experienced enough. We just have to meet expectations and deliver,” he affirmed.
Addo also praised senior players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku for their leadership, adding that stability in team selection helps build chemistry. “Consistency is vital. Too many changes make it hard for players to connect,” he noted.
He singled out Kudus for praise following his impressive performances at Tottenham Hotspur. “He’s been excellent — creating chances, scoring, and assisting. That form boosts the whole team,” Addo said.
Concluding, the coach thanked Ghanaians for their unwavering support. “Once again, I want to thank our fans for believing in us. We’ll fight hard to make them proud tomorrow,” he assured.
Ghana currently sits at the top of their qualifying group, and a win over the Central African Republic at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes would put the Black Stars within touching distance of a fifth World Cup appearance.
Sports
Coach Otto Addo announces Black Stars squad ahead of Austria, Germany International Friendlies
Otto Addo has named Ghana’s squad for this month’s international friendlies against Austria national football team and Germany national football team.
Ghana will be playing two friendlies as part of Preparations towards the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA,Canada and Mexico.
Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen)
Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak)
Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders:
Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt)
Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC)
Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin)
Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir)
Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland)
Kojo Oppoong Pepprah (OGC Nice)
Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg)
Marvin Senaya (Auxerre)
Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow)
Gideon Mensah (Auxerre)
Midfielders:
Thomas Partey (Villarreal)
Elisha Owusu (Auxerre)
Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari)
Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo)
Forwards/Wingers:
Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City)
Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen)
Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah)
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City)
Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta)
Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor)
Exciting line-up with a mix of experienced stars like Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew, plus young talents ready to make their mark.
Ghana found themselves in group L alongside Panama England and Croatia in the FIFA World Cup group.
Spanish giants Atlético Madrid are reportedly pushing to secure the services of Mohammed Kudus from Tottenham Hotspur, despite the midfielder joining the Premier League side only last summer.
According to British outlet TopSkills Sports UK, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder’s camp are already in advanced negotiations with the Spanish club on a four-and-a-half-year contract ahead of a potential summer move.
The report indicates that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, with Atlético Madrid keen to strengthen their attacking midfield options by bringing the Ghanaian international to the Metropolitano Stadium.
However, the Spanish side are reportedly hoping to secure the deal at a reduced transfer fee if Tottenham were to suffer relegation at the end of the season.
Kudus has made 26 appearances for Spurs in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, scoring three goals and providing six assists.
The mercurial playmaker is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but is expected to return to action next month.
- With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Ghana will be hoping their influential midfielder regains full fitness ahead of the global tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Ghana national U-17 team has defeated Samartex in a friendly double-header at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex, as part of their preparations for the upcoming Africa U-17 Cup of Nations tournament.
In the first match played on Saturday, March 14, the Black Starlets delivered a commanding performance to thrash Samartex’s second team 6-0, showing their attacking strength and dominance throughout the encounter.
The national U-17 side returned to action again on Sunday, March 15, for the second fixture, this time facing the senior team of Samartex, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory to complete the double over the 2024 Ghana Premier League champions.
Head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his assistant Nana Kweku Agyemang used the matches as part of their training programme to further assess the squad while working on areas that need improvement before the commencement of the highly-anticipated tournament.
The friendlies add to the team’s recent encouraging run in Accra, where the Black Starlets recorded victories over Attram De Visser Academy, Semper Fi FC, and Port City FC.
The Black Starlets has return to the Continental competition after almost nine-year absence, remain fully focused in camp as they aim to deliver a strong performance in Morocco and secure qualification for the next FIFA U-17 World Cup.
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