Otto Addo Aims High with Ghana’s “Young Squad”

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Otto Addo

Otto Addo, who returned as Ghana’s national football team coach in March, has expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the potential of its young players. After leading Ghana to their first FIFA World Cup™ in eight years, despite a disappointing performance, Addo was appointed to replace Chris Hughton following a challenging AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaign.

In an interview with FIFA, Addo discussed his return to coaching, the team’s recent successes, and the exciting new talent emerging in Ghanaian football.

Reflecting on His Return: “It’s a good feeling! I knew most of the boys from the last World Cup, but it’s also good to see new Ghanaian talents coming up. It’s very interesting to work with them, so it’s been good seeing them,” said Otto Addo.

Challenges and Opportunities: Comparing the current squad to the one that competed in Qatar, Addo noted the youthfulness of the team and the potential for growth. “We have a lot of young guys that need to get experience. This squad can get there, but they’re not there yet, and I’m trying to help them to get there,” he explained.

Recent Performances: Ghana started their recent qualifiers with victories against Mali and the Central African Republic. “It’s always difficult at the national level because the boys come from all parts of the world, from different cultures with different philosophies and ideas,” Addo commented on their performance.

Looking Ahead: With upcoming qualifiers against Chad and Comoros in March 2025, Addo emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. “We have to develop because it’s going to be very tough again. I’m hoping that we can use the upcoming matches to connect and get even better,” he said.

Balancing Goals: “I told the players that we do have a big goal, but it’s very, very important for us to think about each match,” Addo emphasized the importance of focusing on immediate challenges while aiming for long-term success.

Favorite World Cup Memory: For Addo, his fondest World Cup memory dates back to 1986 when he witnessed Diego Maradona’s iconic performances. “To see Maradona play on TV, the way he played, and that one man can be so decisive was unbelievable,” he reminisced.

Otto Addo’s return has sparked optimism among Ghanaian football fans, who hope to see their team reach new heights under his guidanceSou

Source: FIFA.com

Black Stars Begin Intensive Training for AFCON 2023 at Abrankese

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

In preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023, the Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, commenced their nine-day training camp in Kumasi on January 2, 2024. The first day of training took place at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.

The decision to relocate the training from the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex was made after a meticulous inspection by the technical team, led by Chris Hughton. The move was prompted by the unfavorable condition of the pitch at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

A total of 24 players participated in the opening training session, showcasing their skills and dedication. Among them were notable names like Joseph Wollacott, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Alidu Seidu, Denis Odoi, Kingsley Schindler, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Fatawu Hamid, Nicholas Opoku, and Daniel Amartey.

The comprehensive list of players also included Salisu Mohammed, Alexander Djiku, Baba Iddrisu, Elisha Owusu, Abdul Samed Salis, Richmond Lamptey, Majeed Ashimeru, Andre Ayew, Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Osman Bukari, Joseph Painstil, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, and Jonathan Sowah.

In addition to the training regimen, the Black Stars are scheduled to engage in an international friendly against Namibia on Monday, January 8, 2024. This match will serve as a crucial tune-up ahead of the AFCON tournament.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Black Stars gear up for the prestigious tournament in Cote D’Ivoire.