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An early goal will reduce the pressure and tension - Otto Addo ahead of CAR game
An early goal will reduce the pressure and tension - Otto Addo ahead of CAR game
By: Abigail | 2 mins read
Despite leading Group I with 19 points, Ghana’s Black Stars face mounting pressure from fans and stakeholders to win their remaining two matches and book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by three nations.
Black Stars’ second-to-last World Cup clash comes off today, Wednesday, October 8, against the Central African Republic (CAR), and speaking ahead of the game in a pre-match press conference in Meknès, Morocco, the team’s head coach Otto Addo highlighted that, “the so-called pressure that we have right now is normal,” Addo told reporters.
However, he recommended an early goal for his side to reduce the pressure. “I’m just hoping that we can have an early goal; it will make things easier,” while expressing confidence in his squad to give the best results largely expected in the matches.
“When we are first and just two matches to go, it’s expected. The players are experienced enough. Surely, we have some young ones, but we also have experienced players who will guide them,” he said.
He continued that, despite their position in Group I, there is a need for the team to maintain their stability and be consistent as the qualifiers draw to a close.
“Consistency is the key to success. If you make too many changes, it’s difficult for the players to connect,” he said.
The Black Stars’ encounter against the Central African Republic kicks off at 16:00 GMT. The four-time African champions will play the match at the Stade d’Honneur in Morocco. They will conclude their qualifying campaign on Sunday, October 12, when they host Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Otto Addo has finalised his squad for the double-header. He released the squad list yesterday, October 2, with the official list. Following the clash with CAR, the Black Stars will return to Accra to host Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, in their final qualifier.
Full Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders: Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Clermont Foot), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland), Kojo Peprah Oppong (OGC Nice)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal CF), Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Prince Owusu (Medeama SC)
Forwards: Inaki Williams (Athletic Club), Antoine Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth), Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al-Qadsiah)
