Sports News of Monday, 9 September 2024

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Black Stars poised to overcome expectations and bounce back against Niger - Otto Addo

Otto Addo Otto Addo

Ghana coach Otto Addo is confident the Black Stars will rise to the occasion and demonstrate their resilience following their recent 1-0 defeat to Angola in Kumasi.

Ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Niger in Berkane, Morocco, Addo addressed the weight of expectations from Ghanaian fans.

Acknowledging the high stakes, Addo emphasised the importance of mental fortitude. "I think they’re fully focused. They have experienced such pressure before, both at the national and club levels," Addo said.

Reflecting on his own experiences, he recalled a surprising cup defeat with Borussia Dortmund against a lower-tier team, underscoring that "anything can happen in football."

Despite the loss to Angola, Addo is confident in his squad's ability to bounce back.

"You have to be fast in your head and confident, even when things go wrong. That’s why they’re professionals, they recover quickly," he added.

Addo believes the team is ready to show their strength and keep their campaign on track. "Everybody’s waiting now for Monday to see a good reaction and to prove that we’re still in the race," he concluded.