The head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has acknowledged a problem with discipline within the team that needs to be addressed moving forward. In recent friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda, Ghana accumulated three red cards and five yellow cards, highlighting the issue.
Players Jerome Opoku, Mohammed Salisu, and Alidu Seidu were all sent off for showing dissent towards the referees during these matches. Addo emphasizes the importance of redirecting the team’s aggression towards playing well rather than receiving cards.
“We need to focus on playing good, playing hard, and playing smart, without receiving unnecessary yellow and red cards,” Addo stated during the post-game conference following the Uganda match, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Despite the draw, Addo expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in the attacking phase. He believes they could have created more scoring opportunities, especially in the final third of the field. Addo noted, “Our finishing must improve, but I anticipated this level of performance based on previous games before my tenure.”
Looking ahead, the Black Stars are set to compete against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June. These upcoming matches are crucial for the four-time AFCON champions, and Addo is eager to have his full squad available.
Currently, the Black Stars occupy the third position in their World Cup qualifying group, having garnered three points from two matches by defeating Madagascar but succumbing to Comoros.
“We anticipate the return of key players for the June fixtures, which will bolster our strength. These recent matches have provided valuable insights, both positive and negative,” Addo commented, reflecting on the team’s performance.
