“We Want to Win This Game”- Otto Addo’s Black Stars Aim for World Cup Qualification Against Central African Republic
“We want to win this game,” declared Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, as the Black Stars gear up for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Central African Republic (CAR). The match is set to take place at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
Eyes on Victory
Ghana currently tops Group I with 19 points, holding a three-point lead over Madagascar and a four-point advantage over Comoros. According to the Ghana Football Association, a win against CAR would significantly increase their chances of securing a spot at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Addo conveyed his optimism after “two and a half good sessions” of training, stating that the team appears sharp and focused. “If we win this game, we have a high probability to qualify for the World Cup. But this is just the first step,” he added.
Lessons from the Past
Addo stressed the importance of maintaining focus until the final whistle, drawing on lessons from their narrow victory over Chad. “We have to fight defensively, especially to the last minute,” he urged. “I have a very good feeling that we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two goals.”
While acknowledging the significance of the match, Addo downplayed any personal milestones, emphasizing the team’s collective objective. “I don’t think too much about myself; it’s about the team. We want to win this game tomorrow and then we’ll see,” he stated.
Ghana’s Performance and Squad Updates
The Black Stars have demonstrated strong form throughout the qualifying campaign, securing six wins in eight matches, with one loss and one draw. They boast the highest goal tally in their group with 17 goals, while conceding only six.
For this crucial match, Addo has named a 24-man squad that includes new faces like Kojo Peprah Oppong and Prince Owusu, as well as the return of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Alidu Seidu from injury. However, they will be without Iñaki Williams due to injury.
Central African Republic’s Challenge
CAR, with their World Cup hopes already dashed, will be playing for pride. Despite their struggles in the qualifiers, they will aim to build on their spirited performance from the previous encounter against Ghana, where they narrowly lost 4-3.
Weather Advantage and Fan Support
Addo believes the weather conditions in Meknes will favor his team, as the cooler evening temperatures will aid player adaptation. He also expressed his gratitude to the Ghanaian fans for their unwavering support. “Once again, I want to thank the Ghanaian people for their strong support. I hope we will give them something back tomorrow,” Otto Addo said.
