Otto Addo Encouraged by Young Black Stars Despite Japan Defeat

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed satisfaction with the effort and attitude of Ghana’s emerging talents following their outing against Japan, despite the team falling short in the friendly encounter.

Addo, who fielded several young and inexperienced players in the match, highlighted the valuable lessons gained from facing a high-calibre opponent. He noted that while the result was disappointing, the exposure was crucial for the players’ long-term development.

“We used our young players, and they did their best,” Addo said. “It didn’t translate into results today, but these minutes are very important for their growth. Games against strong teams like Japan teach them a lot.”

The coach commended the youngsters for their determination and willingness to compete under pressure, emphasising that such tests are essential for shaping the next generation of Black Stars.

Addo also reaffirmed the technical team’s commitment to gradually introducing more youth prospects into the senior squad.
“For some of them, this is their first time facing such intensity at international level. These experiences help us build depth and prepare them for future competitions,” he added.

The defeat, though disappointing, provided Ghana with a clearer picture of its rising talents and the areas that require improvement as the team continues its journey toward upcoming international assignments.