Otto Addo Points to Poor Pitch Conditions After Ghana’s Draw With Chad
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has suggested that the state of the pitch at the Stade Olympique Idris Deby Itno played a major role in Ghana’s underwhelming performance in N’Djamena.
The 48-year-old made the comments following Thursday’s 1-1 stalemate with Chad in Matchday 7 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana looked on course for victory when Jordan Ayew opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing off a precise delivery from Mohammed Kudus. But with just two minutes left on the clock, Celestine Ecua struck to rescue a point for the home side.
Addo attributed the team’s difficulties to the sluggish surface, insisting it hindered their usual style of play.
“It’s very difficult to play on this terrain when it’s not watered. We can’t play fast, so it’s a disadvantage for us when the pitch is not wet,” he explained.
“The pitch was very slow for us, so it’s difficult to outplay the defenders, but Chad did well in defending,” Addo added.
The Black Stars now turn their focus to their next fixture, a crucial Matchday 8 clash against Mali on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium. The encounter kicks off at 19:00 GMT.
