Otto Addo Rallies Black Stars Ahead of Crucial Mali Showdown
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has assured Ghanaians that his side is ready to respond with renewed energy when they host Mali in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday night.
Addressing the press at the Media Centre of the stadium on Sunday, Addo admitted that the squad was left disappointed by last Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Chad in N’Djamena. He, however, emphasised that the players have reflected on the setback and are eager to put things right.
“The whole team, everybody was very disappointed after the draw in Chad. The expectation was high for us to win, and we were disappointed. We analysed the game very well and hope that we learned out of this,” Addo said.
The Black Stars boss expressed belief that the circumstances in Accra — from home support to natural turf — will help unlock a stronger performance from his team.
“I’m very, very sure we’ll show another face here in front of the crowd. Surely it’s easier to play at home with our spectators supporting us, pushing our last percentage out of the bodies of the players, but also to play in the evening on grass. I expect a different face of the players,” he noted.
While stressing that Ghana’s destiny remains in their own hands, Addo warned that Mali will be a tough opponent despite sitting four points behind in the group.
Ghana currently tops Group I with 16 points, just one ahead of Comoros, who climbed into second with 15 points after beating the Central African Republic earlier on Sunday. Madagascar sit third with 13 points, Mali are fourth on 12, while the Central African Republic and Chad trail with 5 and 1 point respectively.
The Black Stars will be aiming to extend their lead and edge closer to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
