Sports News of Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Mixed Results: Otto Addo's performance as Black Stars coach in his second stint

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo

GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey

Otto Addo's coaching abilities have faced intense scrutiny after the team's failure to secure wins in their two games against Niger and Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The former Borussia Dortmund talent coach was re-appointed as Black Stars coach in early March this year, following his departure after Ghana's group stage exit from the 2022 AFCON.

This GhanaWeb Sports feature examines Otto Addo's performance with the team during his second tenure as Black Stars head coach.

The Black Stars did not win their first two games under Addo's leadership in his second stint.

In his first game, the four-time African champions suffered a 2-1 defeat against their traditional rivals Nigeria, conceding goals in both halves.

In an international friendly at Stade Marrakesh, the Black Stars lost their lead twice, resulting in a 2-2 draw against Uganda.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Ghana defeated Mali 2-1 in Bamako at the Stade du 26 Mars on June 6, 2024.

In their second World Cup qualifying game, the Black Stars came from behind to beat the Central African Republic 4-3 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10, 2024.

In the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ghana began with a 1-0 defeat to Angola, causing national disappointment.

The second game, played in Morocco on September 9, 2024, also ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, putting the team's chances of qualifying at risk.

In the six games of his second stint, Otto has secured three wins, one draw, and two defeats.

The team has scored 10 and conceded 10 goals in six games, raising concerns about Addo's performance as head coach.

He has faced criticism from sports personalities and the public regarding his management of star players and game tactics.

Despite the team's struggles, Otto Addo has assured the public that he will do his best to ensure Ghana records victories in the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers to secure their place in the tournament.