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Tag: Otto Addo

  • Football Fatawu Issahaku needs more precision with his shooting – Otto Addo

    Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, says Abdul Fatawu Issahaku needs to be more patient and precise with his shooting.

    Addo made these comments following Ghana’s narrow win over Nicaragua on Tuesday night in the team’s final friendly of the September international break in Spain.

    The Sporting Lisbon winger scored the only goal with a brilliant curler from the many chances the Black Stars created in the game.

    The 18-year-old went straight to Ghana’s bench to celebrate his debut goal for the Black Stars with his coach.

     

    When asked about his pre-game conversation with Fatawu, Addo was full of praise for the youngster, whose inclusion in the squad for the September friendlies raised eyebrows.

    “He’s a very good winger. He has a powerful shot. Sometimes he needs more patience with the shot and to be more precise instead of hammering it all out.

    “This is what I told him; he should feel free, make runs behind the lines, go one-against-one, and when there is a chance, he should use his left foot very gently.

    “If he uses it gently, it’s even enough just to be precise and score the goal.”

    Since making his Ghana debut in September 2021, the U-20 AFCON winner has made nine appearances for the Black Stars, scoring his first goal on Tuesday against Nicaragua.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Ghanaians want GFA to sack Otto Addo before 2022 World Cup despite Nicaragua victory

    Ghanaian supporters are unhappy with the performance coach Otto Addo and have urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to sack him before the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite the 1-0 victory against Nicaragua.

    The Black Stars bounced back to winning ways in Lorca on Tuesday, having lost 3-0 to Brazil last Friday.

    Sporting Lisbon winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored the only goal of the match in the 35th minute. Ghana wasted a plethora of chances in an unconvincing performance against the central American nation, who are 79 places behind them in the FIFA rankings.

    Despite the victory, fans took to social media to call for the sacking of the 47-year-old.

    “We need a coach with immediate effect,” Frank Nyame wrote on Facebook adding: “I initially had belief in Addo but his behaviour has demonstrated he has nothing in him.”

    Owusu Rossel wrote: “Addo can’t help Ghana 🇬🇭 at the World Cup… it seems everyone is playing his own game… without teamwork,” while Seth Barimah Koranteng opined: “This coach with this great squad will gradually take us into a ditch 🥲🤣😂 he’s even confused.”

    Conrad Donny Atakora voiced his concerns: “He’s not serious. We can’t be managing the Black Stars on part time. This man must go!,” while Citizen Immanuel-Best said: “Otto Addo is a scout. Appoint a coach for the Black Stars!”

    Fiavi Elawoe wrote: “Anything called Addo leading Ghana is always a disaster,” while Francis Cudjoe explained: “We beg you Otto Addo, kindly step down for us to appoint a new coach before the World Cup, please.”

    Ghana will play Switzerland in another preparatory game on November 17, seven days before their opening game at the World Cup against Portugal.

    Source; footballghana

  • Countryman Songo descends on Otto Addo for rating Black Stars 7 after Nicaragua win

    Popular Ghanaian broadcaster, Patrick Osei Agyemang, alias Countryman Songo, has described Black Stars coach Otto Addo as a functionally illiterate after the manager gave his team a rating of 7 after a 1-0 victory over Nicaragua.

    According to Songo, the manager on a regular day should be getting more than a ten out of ten rating after a friendly against Nicaragua, who are minnows and unknown in football.

    In an interview with Pure FM, Songo stated that he will rate the entire team, including the manager, a 0 out of 10.

     

    “If he gave himself 7 out of 10 against Nicaragua then he is functionally illiterate because he should be giving himself 11/10 after playing against Nicaragua, a country that doesn’t know how to play football. He should be having more than 10 out of 10, like 11 over 10. Against Nicaragua and you are giving yourself 7/10? A country that doesn’t know how to play football? A country that doesn’t have a history in football?” he said.

  • Thomas Partey’s absence won’t affect us against Nicaragua – Otto Addo

    Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo has stated that his charges will cope without injured Thomas Partey in their game against Nicaragua on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

    Ghana will be without Partey who has suffered a knee injury and has been excused from camp.

    According to Otto Addo, his tactical plan for the friendly tonight will not be affected by Partey’s absence.

    “With the tactics, it doesn’t affect a lot because tactics involve the style of play and players with such abilities so I think tomorrow’s game we will be okay. Hopefully, Thomas will be healthy very, very soon,” said Addo in a pre-match presser.

    “We didn’t want to take that risk in a friendly game to play him against Brazil but surely playing a player like him against a squad like Brazil would have been helpful,” he added.

    The match comes off at the Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco in Spain at 18:00 GMT kick-off time.

     

  • 70% of the current squad will make World Cup list – Otto Addo confirms

    Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo has confirmed that the majority of the 29-man squad announced for the September international break will make the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    In an interview with Greman newspaper, BILD, the German trainer hinted that he is nearly finished with his squad for the World Cup in Qatar.


    Otto Addo stated that 70% of the players he called for the international break will make the final list, while the remaining 30% will be decided on a ‘tight decision.’

    “70 percent of the players currently on international duty with Ghana’s squad who meet Nicaragua in Lorca, Spain on Tuesday will be in Qatar,” Addo told Bild.

    “The remaining 30 percent will be tight decisions. We’re watching the players closely for the next few games to see who could play for Qatar in October,” he added.

    Ghana will conclude their international break with a friendly against Nicaragua on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 18:00 GMT at Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco in Spain.

  • No Ayews as Otto Addo announces starting XI for Nicaragua game

    Black Stars coach Otto Addo has announced his starting team for the friendly match against Nicaragua.

    The team is totally different from the one that played against Brazil with as many as 8 changes.

    In post, Richard Ofori replaces Jojo Wollacott whiles the injured Alexandre Djiku makes way for Mohammed Salisu at Centre back.

    Alidu Seidu comes in for Dennis Odoi with Gideon Mensah enjoying a start over Baba Rahman at left back.

    Baba Iddrisu is one of the three survivors and will be partnering Kofi Kyere in central midfield. Issahaku and Osman Bukari are the right and left wingers respectively with Kudus playing behind Inaki Williams.

    Below is the team.

    Richard Ofori – Alidu Seidu, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah – Baba Iddrisu, Daniel Kofi Kyereh – Mohammed Kudus, Fatawu Issahaku, Osman Bukari – Iñaki Williams

  • I am not bothered with Black Stars performance – Coach Otto Addo

    Black stars head coach, Otto Addo, says he is not worried about the poor record of the team.

    Addo has won just 1 of his 7 games in charge of the national team.

    The Borussia Dortmund assistant coach led the Black Stars to secure qualification for the World Cup against Nigeria in March.

    The two-legged games ended in a draw but Ghana qualified on the away goal rule.

    Since then, Ghana has only managed to beat Madagascar, a 3-0 win in Cape Coast in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.


     

    The run has included 2 defeats to Japan (4-1) in the Kirin Cup and Brazil (3-0) and draws against the Central African Republic (1-1) and Chile (0-0).

    As part of the preparations for the global showpiece in November, Ghana will face Nicaragua in Spain later today in another international friendly.

    Asked if the Nicaragua game is a must-win for his team, Addo said: “We are using these matches to try a lot of things, not only on the players but also for my side on systems, so we have to find that together. This is very important for us as a team.

    “We have new players in each position we need to integrate and a whole a lot of things and we also want to use these games for everyone to show themselves at the training and also in the games and I am not worried.

    “We have to take the right conclusions out of every match and prepare ourselves for the World Cup.”

    Kick-off for Ghana vs Nicaragua is 18:00GMT.

     

     

  • Otto Addo welcomes Nico Williams’ decision to pick Spain over Ghana

    Black Stars coach, Otto Addo has welcomed Nico Williams’ decision to pledge his allegiance to Spain instead of Ghana.

    Nico Williams, the younger brother of Black Stars striker, Inaki Williams was one of three debutantes named in coach Luis Enrique’s squad for the international break.

    Otto Addo, who is German-born but played for Ghana, said that while it would have been great to see Nico and Inaki play for Ghana, he respects the players’ decision.

    “Together in Ghana? That would’ve been great but his brother decided to play for Spain which is fair, which is as well. Well, we would have loved him in Ghana, surely. I myself was also born in Germany, so you always have two hearts or two homes in your hearts and this is always a difficult decision. We respect that and hopefully, we could play against Spain,” he said during his pre-match presser.


     

    While Nico is with the Spanish national team, his brother Inaki is also with the Black Stars, honouring his debut call-up for the pre-World friendlies.

    Both Inaki and Nico had disappointing debuts, as Ghana and Spain were defeated by Brazil and Switzerland, respectively.

    Inaki Williams is expected to make his full Ghana debut against Nicaragua on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, while Nico is also in line for his first start for Spain in their game against Portugal also on Tuesday.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ayews, Rahman benched, Inaki starts: Black Stars predicted XI against Nicaragua

    Black Stars coach, Otto Addo could ring many changes in his line-up for Ghana’s final international break friendly against Nicaragua on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

    Otto could make as many as seven changes in his starting eleven when compared to the team that started against Brazil last Friday.

    Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, Dede Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Baba Rahaman, Felix Afena Gyan, and Jojo Wollacott, who started against Brazil could all start from the bench.

     

    Reports from the Black Stars camp suggest that Tariq Lamptey and Djiku have picked up minor injuries, which could rule them out of the game for precautionary reasons.

    In goal, Manaf Nurudeen could replace Jojo Wollacott, playing behind a back three of Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu and Stephan Ambrosius.

    Dennis Odoi and Gideon Mensah are expected to be the wing-backs with Elisha Owusu and Baba Iddrisu playing as the double pivot.

    Kudus Mohammed could play behind an attacking line of Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams to complete the 3-4-1-2 system.

    Line up in full

    Manaf Nurudeen; Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Ambrosious; Denis Odoi, Gideon Mensah; Elisha Owusu, Baba Iddrisu; Mohammed Kudus; Ransford Osei, Inaki Williams.

     

     

  • Ghana faces Nicaragua today after Brazil defeat

    The Ghana Black Stars and Nicaragua will battle it out today as the former wraps up its September friendly as preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 continues.

    The match takes place at Estadio Francisco Artes Carrasco in Lorca at 18:00 GMT.

    The Black Stars will be looking to bounce back to winning ways against the North American country after being thrashed 3-0 by Brazil in Le Harve and with only two games to play before the finals.

    Nicaragua are ranked 139th in the World but have seen an improvement in their team performance in recent time following a seven match unbeaten run that ended on Thursday after losing 2-1 to Suriname.

    This is will be first ever meeting between both sides in history.

    Thomas Partey will miss the game due to a suspected knee injury, but it still appears that head coach Otto Addo still has a decent squad that can outwit their opponents following a gusty second half display against Brazil on Friday.

    The introduction of debutants Salisu Mohammed, Tariq Lamptey and Inaki Williams changed the dimension of the game as the Stars showed class and resilience against the five-time World Champions.

    Ghana are paired with Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Group H for the World Cup tournament.

     

  • 2022 World Cup: Ghana coach Otto Addo says 70% of players invited for September friendlies will be in Qatar

    Ghana coach Otto Addo is almost through of getting his squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    The Black Stars is returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018.

    The West African powerhouse has been paired in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.

    According to Otto Addo, 70% of the players he invited for this month friendlies will be in Qatar provided they stay healthy.

    His comment come after being asked about how he sees Hamburg’s forward Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer.

     

    “My training impressions from Ransford Königsdörffer were good. He did it properly. He’s still very young. But it was our intention to bring young players into our squad. We want to build a strong squad for the future.”

    “Ransford is a very good player with great potential. I can’t say yet if he’ll definitely be at the World Cup. 70 percent of the players who are here right now will come to Qatar if they stay healthy. The remaining 30 will be tight decisions. We’re watching the players closely for the next few games to see who could play for Qatar in October.”

    Asked if Königsdörffer have a chance at the World Cup, he said, “Of course, otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”

    Source; footballghana

  • Five changes Ghanaians would love to see in Ghana’s game against Nicaragua

    Against a less-fancied opponent in Nicaragua, coach Otto Addo has a perfect chance to convince Ghanaians of how his team could look at the World Cup.

    If Brazil were too big a team for him to implement his plans to perfection, a Nicaraguan side that lie 139th on the World Ranking should give him no such headache.

    Following the disastrous display against Brazil, there have been calls for changes, and here are highlights of five things Otto Addo must do in Tuesday’s game.

    Change the system

    Ghana found some stability in the second half against Brazil when Otto Addo switched to the three-back system.

    Many believed that the players in camp are more suited to the three-back system with wings backs and three forwards.

    It is the expectation of many that Otto Addo will go for a 3:4:3 formation.

    Change the goalkeeper

    Though he cannot be solely blamed for the goals conceded against Brazil, there is a feeling that Jojo Wollacott is not really up to scratch.

    He appears to lack the confidence and presence to command the goal areas. With the game being a test match, Otto Addo should try Richard Ofori and Manaf in the post.

    Sports Debate: Ghanaians share predictions for Ghana-Brazil clash

    0 seconds of 12 minutes, 48 secondsVolume 90%

    Protect Ayews and Baba Rahman from further abuse

    Baba Rahman and the Ayew brothers were the most vilified in the aftermath of Ghana’s drubbing at the hands of Brazil.

    Many believe that the three players do not deserve to be in the starting team as they have consistently failed to perform in Ghana jersey.

    Whiles some disagree, it will be right that Otto Addo protects from the public attack by not playing or starting them.

     

    Learn to defend and score from set-pieces

    Two of the goals that Ghana conceded against Brazil were from set-pieces. The mistakes were elementary as on both occasions, the Brazil attacks had a free run to attack the ball.

    Otto Addo must show that it has taken notice of that by working on it in training and showing the result during matches.

    Additionally, the team must also learn to create chances from set pieces they get. Set-pieces have now become an important avenue for goals.

    Give Elisha Owusu, and Afriyie Barnieh a chance

    In his brief cameo against Nigeria in March, Elisha Owusu gave an indication of what he could bring to the team.

    He has however not had enough time to fully convince Ghanaians that he merits his call-up.

    Afriyie Barnieh also deserves his chance to show that he was not just called up to make the numbers but as a potential candidate for the World Cup.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

     

     

  • 11 matches 1 win: Black Stars’ poor record in 2022

    The Black Stars are on a poor run in 2022 despite managing to secure a World Cup spot within the period.

    Since the start of the year, Ghana have played a total of eleven matches and have managed just a single win. In the remaining 10 matches, the team lost five and drew five.

    Ghana’s only win so far this year came against Madagascar during the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in May.

    Since beating Madagascar to end an initial six-match winless run, Ghana have gone four games without recording a victory, losing two of those games.

    Ghana’s poor record in 2022 started in January when the Black Stars lost 3-0 to Algeria in a pre-AFCON friendly.

    On Friday, September 23, Brazil handed Ghana their fifth defeat of the year, hammering the West African powerhouse 3-0 in an international friendly in France.

    Head coach Otto Addo and his chargers will be looking to end their current four games winless run when they come up against Nicaragua, who are ranked 139th ranked by FIFA.

    The match comes off on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 18:00 GMT kick-off time.

    Below is Ghana’s record in full

    Algeria 3-0 Ghana

    Morocco 1-0 Ghana

    Gabon 1-1 Ghana

    Ghana 2-3 Comoros

    Ghana 0-0 Nigeria

    Nigeria 1-1 Ghana

    Ghana 3-0 Madagascar

    Central African Republic 1-1 Ghana

    Japan 4-1 Ghana

    Ghana 0-0 Chile

    Brazil 3-0 Ghana

    (LLDLDDWDLDL)

    11 games (1W, 5L,5D)

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Otto Addo admits Brazil selection gaffe, pledges to do better

    Otto Addo has admitted he made mistakes with his selection on Friday night as Black Stars suffered a 3-0 loss to the Selecao.

    In what looked more like a one-sided game, Brazil’s first-half brilliance did the damage as they put three goals past Ghana.

    Addo’s starting line-up for the game came under huge criticism and the gaffer was quick to admit he made mistakes in the clash against the five-time world champions in Le Havre.

    “I will start with myself because maybe the system was wrong. I have to look at it again and question myself first,” Addo said after the game.

    “The lineup was good, but we have to work harder, especially on the set pieces and we have to work harder to close the lines. There were too many gaps between the lines.

    “I think I made mistakes, I learnt a lot more about my players, and picking the next 11 will depend on the performance in the next game.”

    Addo however, commended the second half performance from his team.

    “In the second half, we showed we can also compete with them not only against the ball but also with the ball. Better positions, we had some half chances. I’m happy that in the second half we didn’t allow [a lot of chances].”

    The Black Stars will face Nicaragua in the next game on Tuesday in Spain.

     

  • Four key battles that could decide Ghana-Brazil friendly

    An exciting international friendly between Ghana and Brazil is on the horizon, and many are excited to see how the game will unfold on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the Stade Oceane in France.

    The game will feature superstars going head-to-head in a battle for their country’s victory.

    Although there will be many battles to enjoy tonight, here are four key battles that could decide the game.

    Here are four key battles that could decide Ghana vs Brazil friendly

    Denis Odoi vs Vinicius

    One of the battles to watch is the one between Ghana’s right fullback Denis Odoi and Brazil’s left winger Vinicius on the flank.

    Denis Odoi has stood firm in every battle he has fought in a Black Stars shirt. He has impressed and earned the position of first choice for Otto Addo.

    Today, he faces his toughest test in Vinicius, a winger with pace, quick feet and one of the best in the world.

    Whoever wins the flanking battle will set his team up for success.


    Thomas Partey vs Casemiro

    The fight between Partey and Casemiro will resume today after a long while.

    Today at the Stade Oceane, the debate over who is better would be settled.

    Both coaches would like to win this battle in the middle of the park because it is the most important aspect of the game.

    Richarlison, Neymar vs Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku

    Richarlison could play as a false 9 while Neymar sits behind him as the playmaker, making inroads into the box as needed.

    The two could face the Ghanaian centre duo of Salisu and Djiku, who will look to limit the Brazilians’ attacking threat.

    It’s unquestionably one of the battles to watch.

    Otto Addo vs Tite

    When compared to developing Otto Addo, who is currently in charge of his first major job as head coach, Tite is a top manager.

    Many Ghanaians are waiting to see if Otto can outwit Tite tactically. Many will assess Otto Addo’s tactical acumen as he faces one of the best in the business.

    The battle on the dugout should be one for the cameras.

    Source:Ghanaweb

  • Salisu, Inaki start, Lamptey on the bench: How Ghana could line up against Brazil

    Mohammed Kudus is expected to start in the striking role for the Black Stars in their pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil.

    As hinted by Otto Addo, the Ajax man will be tried in the role to see his preparedness for the World Cup as a number 9.

    Per reports from people close to the team, Kudus will be flanked by Andre Ayew and Inaki Williams who will be making his debut for Ghana.

    In midfield, it is expected to be the regular partnership of Baba Iddrisu and Thomas Partey with Dennis Odoi and Baba Rahman as the right and left wing-backs respectively.

    The three-man defense will have Amartey in a familiar right-sided center-back role, Djiku as the middleman and Mohammed Salisu making his debut as the left-sided center-back.

    Per the reports and photos from training Ghana’s 3-4-3 lineup will be;

     

     

    Jojo Wollacot – Daniel Amartey – Alexandre Djiku- Mohammed Salisu – Dennis Odoi – Baba Rahman – Baba Iddrisu – Thomas Partey – Inaki Williams – Mohammed Kudus – Andre Ayew.

    With this lineup, Ghana intends to create overloads in midfield and stifle the Brazilian attack by dominating from the middle. It also means that when attacking, the wingers – Andre Ayew and Inaki – will drift in centrally and act as auxiliary strikers to allow the wing-backs to take over the wing positions.

    There are also reports that Otto Addo might go for the 4-4-2 system which is a system we are yet to see him play.

    That setup will most likely have Wollacott in the post, Alexandre Djiku and Mohammed Salisu as the central defensive pair with Dennis Odoi and Baba Rahman as the full-backs.

    In midfield, there will be Baba Iddrisu and Thomas Partey with Jordan Ayew and Inaki Wiliams as wingers.

    Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus will be the top two.

    Below is the 4:4:2 lineup Wollacott – Dennis Odoi – Baba Rahman – Mohammed Salisu – Alexandre Djiku – Baba Iddrisu – Thomas Partey – Jordan Ayew – Inaki Williams – Andre Ayew – Mohammed Kudus.

    Source:Ghanaweb

  • Five things Ghanaians must look out for in Ghana vs Brazil match

    Africa Brazil take on ‘original’ Brazil in a match that will give an indication of the preparedness of both countries for the 2022 World Cup which is less than two months away.

    In their fifth meeting in all competitions, the Samba Boys of Brazil battle with a newly-look Ghana side that for decades lived under the tag ‘the Samba boys of Africa’.

    With the benefit of four days of training which is a rarity in international football with respect to friendly matches, coach Otto Addo has had the benefit of assessing 28 of the 29 players he invited for the game.

    With the game set for later today, Here are highlights certain things that Ghanaians can look out for in Otto Addo’s team.

    Otto Addo’s formation

    Ghana’s first two matches at the World Cup are against countries dominated by stars and of a higher profile than the Black Stars.

    The game against Brazil is expected to give an inkling into how Otto Addo will approach games against countries with better players and profiles than Ghana.

    Will he go for a conservative 3-5-2 system or an expansive and attacking 4-2-3-1? This is one of the headaches Otto Addo will have to cure.

    Performance of new players

    Much of the pre-match hype has been around the arrival of Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Ransford Yeboah, Stephan Ambrosius and Mohammed Salisu.

    It is expected that at least two of them will start the game and Ghanaians will be watching with an eagle eye how they will fare.

    For most people, the performance of the new players will determine the prudency or otherwise in the GFA’s successful attempt to lure them from England, Germany and Spain.

    Where will Mohammed Kudus plays?

    Is he going to start as a striker or central attacking midfielder? The Ajax man has thrived in his ‘false nine’ role for his club but in the Black Stars can he replicate that form?

    The Black Stars lack a reliable goal-scorer and Otto Addo, as he hinted in the pre-match presser might try Kudus in that role.

    If the gamble works, Ghana has found a reliable source for goals, if it doesn’t, more headache for Otto Addo.

    Overall Team performance

    For most people, the scoreline will not be as important as the performance. Whiles, there is a minute sense of confidence that Ghana could beat Brazil, the general impression is that Ghana will lose but how they lose is the issue.

    The performance of the team against Brazil will either make Ghanaians confident about the prospect of facing Portugal and Uruguay or make them give up even before the World Cup kicks off.

    How Brazil stars will fare against a determined Ghanaian side

    Neymar, Thiago Silva, Vinicius, Marquinhos, Allison, Ederson among others. The Brazilian team has a galaxy of stars who on a good day can perform magic and wallop any team with an embarrassing scoreline.

    Football has however thought us that you don’t necessarily need the best of players but rather a group of hungry and determined players. In the Black Stars team, most players will be playing for their World Cup ticket and so will go in with full determination to impress Otto Addo and the three other coaches.

    Question is, can Brazil cope with the determined Ghanaian players.

  • Ghana’s starting lineup for Brazil match will be based on performance – Otto Addo

    Black Stars coach, Otto Addo has disclosed that Ghana’s starting team to face Brazil would be based on the performance of players at club level and in training.

    Coach Otto Addo is spoilt for choice as he has 28 out of the 29-man squad he invited for the game.

    Coach Otto Addo has explained that players with good performance in their recent matches would be given the nod to start the match.


    “This is the way we want to have it; we want our players to have success at their clubs, we want them to score but also to defend well, to play well, and have assisted. So, it’s not only about scoring. Surely scoring is the obvious thing for everybody but we are monitory all the players and looking at their performances.

    “This is for us the measurement. Previous games, performance at their clubs, and they are still training. Also, our style of play, our opponent players, and what we need going into the game. The performances at the club are taking a big part in the decision-making.

    “We try to bring everything together and then we take a decision. It is very complex, but in the end, we will decide.”

    The Black Stars will take on the five-time world champions, Brazil on Friday, September 23 in Le Harve.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • 2022 World Cup: We must ensure Otto Addo’s tactics work – Captain Andre Ayew to teammates

    Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, has entreated his teammates to believe and ensure Otto Addo‘s tactics ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

    The ex-international led the four-time African champions to book a place in the Mundial.

    Ghana cruised over Nigeria in a two-legged tie to return to the global showpiece with an away goal rule.

    Andre, who was named the skipper for the side in 2019 believes the Black Stars’ success at the World Cup in Qatar will hinge on making the tactics of Otto Addo work.

    “I think he took us to the World Cup in those two important games,” he told Accra-based Radio Gold.

     

    “We know that it was a longer journey than just those two games but those two games were the important ones and you know we managed to make it to Qatar.

    “So we have to make sure that we keep working, we follow his tactics, what he wants us to implement on the field, and to try to make it work.

    “It’s not going to be easy, it has not been easy but you can see that we are trying to implement his style, and bit by bit we are getting there so we will keep preparing and get ready for the next game,” he added.

    The Super Eagles held the Black Stars to a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium before a 1-1 finish at the MKO Moshood Abiola Stadium.

    Ghana have been housed in Group H with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea for the global football showpiece starting in November.

    Source: footballghana

  • 2022 World Cup: Black Stars need stability to succeed in Qatar – Andre Ayew

    Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, has insisted the national team will need stability and consistency to succeed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    Ghana will engage Brazil at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre on September 23 and against Nicaragua in the South-eastern Spanish city of Lorca four days later as part of the preparations for the Mundial slated for November 20.

    Ahead of the games, five out of the six players who have completed their nationality switch have been named in Ghana’s squad for the game.

    Andre, 32, speaking in an interview said head coach of the side, Otto Addo, assistants Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and George Boateng, as well as Chris Hughton as technical advisor, would provide the right guidance and some stability needed for the team’s progress at the World Cup and beyond.

     

    “I remember an interview about a year ago during which I said that we needed to get some stability in what we did because it is stability and consistency which would take us to the next level, and hopefully we can get a core team and a core staff that is here for a while from whom we can learn and build something big for this football-loving nation,” the Al Sadd forward told Graphic Sports.

    Spain-based Williams, Brighton wing-back Lamptey, Stephan Ambrosius of German side Karlsruhe, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer of Hamburg SV, and Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu are all expected to make their debut for the Black Stars.

    In November, the Black Stars will take on Switzerland in their final preparatory game.

    The Black Stars have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.

    Source: footballghana

  • Alhaji Grusah blasts Black Stars technical team over zoom meetings

    Black Stars management committee member Alhaji Grusah has blasted the technical team, led by Otto Addo, for holding meetings via Zoom rather than in person.

    Grusah has threatened not to attend any Black Stars-related meetings if they continue to use the video app.

    Otto Addo and his staff should travel to Ghana for their meetings, according to the controversial football administrator.

    Black Stars coach Otto Addo is based in Germany, where is assistant coach of Borussia Dortmund. Assistant coach George Boateng until recently was a youth team coach at Aston Vila while Didi Dramani, another assistant coach, works with Danish side Nordsjaelland.

    “We have a big chance if we remain truthful and put the right measures in place,” he said as reported by Ghanaweb.

    “I’ve told them not to call into any online meeting. Zoom meet is archaic. The coaches should come down with their selections for us to have a discussion.

    “I’ve warned them not to call me into any zoom meeting. How can we be truthful if we are not seeing each other? I’m confident that with the right things we’ll qualify,” he added.

    Black Stars will return to action this month with games against Brazil and Nicaragua as part of preparations for World Cup in Qatar, where they will play Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in group stage.

    Source: Ghanasoccernet

  • Otto Addo names 29-man squad for Brazil

    Inaki Williams has received his first Ghana call-up as coach Otto-Addo named his squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.

    The Ghana Football Association, GFA, released the list early Tuesday, September 6, 2022, via its social media handles.

    Ghana will play Brazil on Friday, September 23, before engaging Nicaragua on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

    The called-up players include:

    Goalkeepers:

    Richard Ofori, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Joseph Wollacott.

    Defenders: Denis Odoi, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Abdul-Rahaman Baba, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Joseph Aidoo, Stephan Ambrosius.

    Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Iddrisu Baba, Elisha Owusu, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew.

    Wingers: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Issahaku Abdul Fatawu, Osman Bukari, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • 2022 World Cup: Otto Addo opts for Abu Dhabi training camp before competition

    Ghana coach Otto Addo has chosen Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to host the Black Stars‘ training camp before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    There were rumours that the team would travel to Doha, but Addo has opted for Abu Dhabi, which has been approved by the Black Stars management committee and the Ghana Football Association.

    Addo believes that the facilities in Abu Dhabi are first-rate, and that the conditions are ideal for the Black Stars to prepare for the tournament.

     

    The Black Stars are expected to stay in Abu Dhabi for two weeks before travelling to Qatar.

    Black Stars will lodge at the Double Tree by Hulton Doha-Al Sadd Hotel and train at the Aspire Zone training facilities 1 during their stay in Qatar for the tournament.

    Black Stars secured qualification to the World Cup following a victory over neighbours Nigeria on away goals rule.

    They have been drawn in Group H alongside 2016 Euro winners Portugal, Uruguay and Korea Republic.

    Only one pre-World Cup friendly match has been confirmed so far, with the Black Stars facing Switzerland seven days before their opening match against Portugal on November 24.

    Source; Ghanasoccernet

  • 2022 World Cup: JE Sarpong charges Otto Addo to improve Black Stars midfield

    Former Great Olympics head coach, JE Sarpong has called on the technical team to improve the Black Stars midfield ahead of the World Cup.

    Ghana, who are in Group H will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

    Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

    With less than five months to the start of the global showpiece, the veteran trainer speaking in an interview with Graphic Sports reiterated that the technical handlers must do everything to improve and stabilize the midfield.

     

    “First and foremost, the technical team should do everything to strengthen the midfield and attack of the black stars because we have been struggling in those areas for some time now,” he noted.

    Touching on defence and goalkeeping, Coach Sarpong said they had so far stood the test of time in recent matches and were likely to improve as they continued to play together.

    “Our defence has stood the test of time and is likely to improve as time goes on. Goalkeeping is quite stable but needs improvement,” he stressed.

    Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

    Source: FootballGhana.com

  • Countryman Songo renews attack on Otto Addo

    Broadcast journalist, Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as ‘Countryman Songo’ has said it’s a joke that Borussia Dortmund’s talent coach, Otto Addo, is leading Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    According to him, Mr. Otto is not equipped become a Black Stars coach let alone lead Ghana to the World Cup.

    Speaking on Asempa FM, Songo said he is shocked that a football powerhouse like Ghana would consider a ‘trainer Scout’ to lead the country to the biggest international showpiece.

    “I’m shocked that from the 70s, 80s, 90s and now we are in 2022 and Ghana, who have won African Cup, produced top players have decided to take trainer scout to the World Cup. We are joking. We have the money to hire top coaches but you’ve allowed the politician to misuse the money. Then in this modern world, not in the olden days, even the 60s and the 70s and 90s, Ghana we were hiring top coaches…But in the modern days is a trainer scout who will be leading Ghana to the World Cup,” Songo said.

    Otto Addo serves as a transitional/talent coach at Borussia Dortmund with his duty centred on ensuring young players get a smooth transition from the academy to the first team.

    The former Black Stars winger steered Ghana to qualify for the World Cup after eliminating Nigeria in a two-legged play-off.

    Following the qualification, the Ghana Football Association extended his month interim role to six months, which will come to an end after the World Cup in Qatar.

    At Borussia Dortmund, Otto Addo told the BBC in an interview that he holds four major roles at the club which includes managing talent, analysing games of each player in the talent group to identify their strength and weaknesses, individual training, and getting to know the players through meetings and digging into their lives.

    The former Dortmund man penned a new three-year deal with Borussia Dortmund in June 2022 as he looks to develop many young talents for the German side.

  • Borussia Dortmund set to extend Otto Addo’s contract

    Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are set to extend Otto Addo’s contract by the close of this week, according to reports.

    The 47-year-old is expected to sign a three-year deal – his current contract with the club will expire in the summer.

    Dortmund and Addo are in advanced negotiations and an official announcement is expected to soon.

    The former Dortmund midfielder joined the club in April 2019 as a ‘talent coach’, having previously held a similar role at Borussia Mönchengladbach since 2017.

    In December 2020, he was promoted to serve as first team assistant coach to Edin Terzić who had been promoted to interim head coach, following the sacking of head coach Lucien Favre.

    He won his first trophy as a coach after Dortmund defeated RB Leipzig in the finals of the 202021 DFB-Pokal.

    Otto Addo replaced Milovan Rajevac as Ghana coach after the Serbian failed to progress to last 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, finishing bottom of their group.

    He led qualified the Black Stars to their fourth World Cup appearance following a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to progress on the away goals rule.

    Addo became first Ghanaian to have represented Ghana at the World Cup and also qualified the team to the Mundial as a coach.

    Source: Football Ghana

  • GFA comfortable with Otto Addo handling two coaching roles with Ghana & Dortmund

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has disclosed that they are ‘okay’ with Otto Addo handling two coaching roles with the Black Stars and Borussia Dortmund.

    GFA believes the dual roles will not get in the way of adequately preparing the Black Stars for the upcoming 2023  Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    Otto Addo confirmed last week that Dortmund have given him the permission to coach Ghana during the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year as well as handle Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers which would commence with a home match against Madagascar on June 1.

    The Association is closing in on appointing the 46-year-old as permanent Ghana coach as well as other members of the Black Stars technical team.

    The Otto Addo-led team qualified the Black Stars to the global showpiece following a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the final play-offs of the World Cup at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in March.

    The Technical team was made up of Aston Villa U-19 coach George Boateng and Mas-ud Didi Dramani of Nordsjaelland with Chris Hughton serving as Technical Advisor.

    Otto Addo became first Ghanaian to have represented Ghana at the World Cup and also qualified the team to the Mundial as a coach.

    Ghana have been placed in Group H together with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea for the World Cup which is scheduled for November 21 to December 18 in Qatar.

    Source: Football Ghana