Otto Addo, the head coach of the Black Stars, has commended his team for their tenacity and defensive fortitude after Ghana defeated Mali 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament.
With 19 points from seven games, Ghana remains at the top of Group I after Alexander Djiku’s goal in the second half on Monday gave them all three points. Although the game was tight, Addo insisted that the players had shown wonderful character by waiting for the outcome.
“You could see that we have a young squad and players who haven’t been playing often for the national team, so we were a little bit nervous here and there,” Addo said at the post-match press conference.
“But after 50 minutes we got into the game. We increased the pressure early in the second half and managed to score out of a set piece. Then it was pure fight afterwards. Mali put us under pressure but not with real chances, mostly long shots, and our defence gave everything.”
He called Antoine Semenyo “the lone fighter” who pressed the Malian defense until he was replaced and praised him for his tireless efforts up front.
In addition, Addo complimented Kwasi Sibo, who made his debut and was described as “a warrior throughout.” He also said that future call-ups would depend on Sibo’s club performances.
Players like Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew “still had moments where they could create something,” the coach said in defense of his choice to postpone substitutions.
He lamented Ghana’s inability to capitalize on their counterattacking opportunities but acknowledged that Kamaldeen Sulemana, Joseph Paintsil, and Inaki Williams contributed new energy in the closing minutes.
Gideon Mensah was specifically mentioned by Addo as someone who needs to simplify their play.
He remarked, “Sometimes he’s a little bit too confident. He needs to simplify his game in Africa, where the rhythm and style are different from La Liga.”
Addo responded firmly to the Malian coach’s criticism of Ghana’s strategy, saying, “We played a little more defensively because we knew they needed to win. What’s most important are the three points, and we got it.”
The coach cautioned against complacency and advised Ghanaians to lower their expectations. Before the match against Chad, “Everybody was talking before the Chad game that we had already won. It’s dangerous. We are not at the World Cup yet. We have a lot of work to do, and every opponent must be respected,” he stated.
As they continue their quest for qualifying, Ghana will next play Comoros at home on October 10 after traveling to play the Central African Republic on October 6.
Source: newsthemegh.com