Black Stars head coach Otto Addo proved his critics wrong by stretching his unbeaten streak in World Cup Qualifiers, having secured a statement win over old foes' Madagascar.
Cranking the statistics, Addo, having being appointed as the interim coach for the Ghana national team ahead of the team's 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-off matches against Nigeria, he managed to pull of a goalless draw and a 1-1 draw in March 25 and 29th March, respectively, to qualify Ghana (on away goals) to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Prior to the start of the 2022 World Cup, Addo had hinted that he would be leaving after the world cup regardless of the outcome. Following their last group match, Ghana was eliminated from the tournament at the group stages after losing to Uruguay. Addo resigned as the head coach of Ghana and would focus on his other role as a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund.
On 15th March 2024, he was reappointed as head coach of the Ghana national football team, along with John Painstil, Joseph Laumann, and Fatawu Dauda as assistant coaches.
Addo led the Black Stars to victory against Mali by 2–1 on 6th June 2024, making the victory the first away win since 2022. He again led the Black Stars to victory against Central African Republic by 4–3 on 10 June 2024 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The aforementioned wins were Black Stars only victories all year as the team had a difficult campaign in 2024.
However, in the Ghana FA and Otto Addo's quest to revamp the Black Stars team, starting from this year, as they focus on improving player performance, fostering a positive team environment, and implementing new strategies to achieve better results, all while ensuring players adapt to the changes.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have returned to winning ways despite failing to qualify for the 2025 Afcon which is scheduled to come off later this year. In their two World Cup qualifying matches in March, 2025, the team secured superb wins over Chad (5-0) and bounced Madagascar 3-0 on Monday night, 24 March at the Mimoun Al Arsi Stadium in AI Hoceima, Morocco.
Monday's solid performance and clinical finishing was the ideal situation which proved that the Black Stars are back to walk in their original glory as they will be a force to be reckoned with.
The win against Madagascar helped Ghana to extend their lead at the top of Group I with 15 points, five above second-placed Madagascar.
The Black Stars sent a strong message to their rivals, reinforcing their ambitions of qualifying for the next stage, as the top nine from African confederation (CAF) qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada
By: Pascal Amoah
