Former Black Stars coach Otto Addo has underscored the challenging nature of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emphasizing the unpredictability of the tournament set to be hosted by Ivory Coast in 2023.
Otto Addo, a 48-year-old ex-Ghanaian midfielder, resigned from his role as the Black Stars coach following a disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup. Speaking on GTV, he highlighted the difficulty that all nations would encounter in the AFCON, pointing out the absence of weak teams.
"Everything is possible, just as I said; it is very important to take it step by step. Nowadays, there are no weak teams; everybody can defend, which makes it very difficult for Ghana," expressed Otto Addo.
The coach emphasized the significance of successfully navigating the group stage, aiming to finish strongly to secure favorable opponents in the subsequent rounds.
“I think if Ghana starts to win in the group stage, anything is possible. It’s like I said, step-by-step, and it is a young team that comes together. It is not easy to put all the things together at these championships (AFCON); anything can happen,” added Otto Addo.
Drawing on his coaching experience from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Addo acknowledged the significant improvements in African teams, highlighting the need for hard-earned victories in the modern era.
“There’s no weak team anymore. You have to earn your wins very hard. Once we get a good start, it makes the following games easier,” he concluded.
Ghana, placed in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, faces a challenging path in the AFCON, and Otto Addo's insights underscore the unpredictability and competitive nature of the tournament.
