“We want to win this game”- Otto Addo
Ghana head coach Otto Addo has voiced strong belief in his team’s readiness and mindset as the Black Stars prepare for their vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco.
The Black Stars sit atop Group I with 19 points, holding a three-point lead over Madagascar and four ahead of Comoros, whom they will face in their final group game on October 12. A victory over CAR would move Ghana a step closer to securing qualification for a fifth World Cup appearance.
Addressing the media ahead of the game, Addo said his players have responded well to preparations and look in good shape for the decisive clash.
“We had two and a half good sessions and the team looked sharp ahead of the crucial encounter,” Addo said.
“We are in a comfortable position that we can look at ourselves and we want to win this game. If we win this game, we have a high probability to qualify for the World Cup. But this is just the first step.”
Addo urged his team to stay disciplined and focused throughout the 90 minutes, pointing to lessons learned from their recent close contest against Chad.
“We have to fight defensively, especially to the last minute. I have a very good feeling that we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two goals,” he stated.
When asked about the prospect of becoming the first Ghanaian coach to lead the national team to two consecutive World Cups, the 49-year-old tactician dismissed personal accolades, choosing instead to emphasize collective effort.
“I don’t think too much about myself; it’s about the team. We want to win this game tomorrow and then we’ll see.”
The Black Stars are aiming to seal early qualification before their final qualifier against Comoros, as Addo continues to build a cohesive and confident side capable of returning Ghana to the global stage in 2026.
