Otto Addo Urges Ghanaians to Rally Behind Black Stars After AFCON Qualification Heartbreak
In a heartfelt appeal to the nation, Ghana’s Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has called for unity and support from Ghanaians following the team’s disappointing failure to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Black Stars’ recent 1-1 draw against Angola marked a historic low, as it ended Ghana’s remarkable 20-year streak of consecutive AFCON qualifications.
The result has left fans and players alike reeling from the disappointment, but Addo is determined to shift the focus toward the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
“I understand that people are disappointed, maybe angry. I was also disappointed, but surely we have to move on now,” Addo stated during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of preparing for the World Cup qualifiers, which kick off soon. “If you [Ghanaians] want us to go to the World Cup, you need to support us,” he urged.
Currently, Ghana is positioned second in Group I of the World Cup qualifying series, tied on points with leaders Comoros. Only the group winners will advance to the knockout phase, adding pressure to the Black Stars as they aim for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Otto Addo previously guided Ghana to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, marking a significant achievement after the team missed the 2018 edition.
His goal now is to become the first coach to lead the Black Stars to consecutive World Cup appearances, a feat that hinges on strong performances in the upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, Ghana will face Chad in March 2025, a critical clash that could determine their fate in the World Cup qualifiers. As the national team gears up for this challenge, Addo’s message is clear: the path to success requires the unwavering support of the fans.
