As Ghana prepares to face Angola in a vital 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, coach Pedro Gonçalves has showered his opponents gaffer, Otto Addo, with high praise.
The match comes at a time when Ghana find themselves struggling in the qualifying campaign, having secured no wins in their four games, so far.
Currently, Ghana sits at the third of Group F, holding a mere two points, while Palancas Negras is even further ahead in 1st place with twelve points.
However, a win at home for the Black Stars is crucial for revitalising their campaign, even though they would have to crank the numbers and hope Sudan loses both of their upcoming games against Niger and Angola on Monday, November 18.
Meanwhile, Gonçalves, who is well familiar with the Angolan football system - having managed Angola U17 and U20 before becoming the Angola senior national team coach in 2019.
"Ghana is a country of football, and I grew up watching the Black Stars with big names," Gonçalves expressed during an interview with Ghanasportspage.com
Gonçalves commended Ghana football talents scattered around Europe and especially his country of origin - Portugal, and also coach Otto Addo's relentless energy and the work he is doing with the Black Stars — qualities he believes make him a rare gem in coaching.
“They have wonderful players worldwide, including Europe and Portugal. But unfortunately, they’re not in the best moment now.
“I appreciate the work Otto Addo is doing for Ghana, even though it’s a challenging time. It’s just an unfortunate situation, but this is football.”
Ghana will take on the Palancas Negras in their fifth game of the qualifiers, slated for Friday, November 18, at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.
By: Pascal Amoah
