Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has advised Ghanaians to temper their expectations regarding the Black Stars' prospects of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
"Despite the recent 2-1 comeback victory against Mali in Bamako, Boateng believes that the pressure on the team should be eased, considering the current state of Ghanaian football," as he stated.
Boateng stressed the need to alleviate pressure on the team, citing the current state of Ghanaian football.
"Our game is really down. We don't have to put pressure on the team to be at the World Cup at all costs. When we win, it's fine, but Ghana doesn't want to be at the World Cup and be out at the group stages like we did in 2014," he emphasized.
"We want to go there and compete. Right now, we're not on our level; we don't have to say we're there because we won against Mali. No, we are not; it takes time to get there," he added.
Boateng underscored that failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup shouldn't be viewed as a failure, emphasizing the importance of allowing the team to develop.
Following the victory against Mali, Ghana now has six points from three games. However, they currently sit behind Madagascar and Comoros due to goal superiority.
The Black Stars will face the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday as part of the World Cup qualifying series.
Derek Boateng, a former Black Stars midfielder, has voiced his criticism of coach Otto Addo's decision to exclude captain Andre Ayew from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
"The omission of Ayew from the 26-man squad has sparked a fervent debate among fans and former players," Boateng noted.
Having represented Ghana himself, Boateng argues that Ayew's recent performances for his club, Le Havre, merit his inclusion in the national team.
"If you talk about players in good shape at their club level right now, he is one of them," Boateng emphasized to Joy Sports.
"A player like Dede Ayew has to be in the team even if you're not starting him. He has to be there," Boateng added.
"His influence in the national team is significant. Some of the players are very close to him and they listen to him a lot. I respect the coach's decision, but for me, he has to be in the squad."
With Ayew holding the record for the most appearances for Ghana with 120 caps since his debut in 2007, he has been a cornerstone for the team over the years.
As Ghana prepares to face the Central African Republic in their next World Cup qualifying match at the Baba Yara Stadium, the debate continues.
Following a 2-1 victory over Mali in Bamako, Ghana currently holds third place in the qualifying series.
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Ahead of the game against Central African Republic tomorrow, Ghana head coach Otto Addo and starman Kudus Mohammed are expected to meet the media later today for the pre-match press conference.
Ahead of the game against Central African Republic tomorrow, Ghana head coach Otto Addo is expected to meet the media later today for the pre-match press conference at the match venue.
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