Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has called on his players to remain focused and avoid complacency as the Black Stars prepare for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar on Monday.
Currently leading Group I after a victory over Chad, Ghana has the opportunity to extend their lead by five points with another win. However, Addo insists that now is not the time to relax.
“It’s absolutely crucial that we stay focused until the job is done. Right now, our full attention is on Madagascar,” Addo emphasized, as quoted by the Ghana Football Association.
“We are determined to win this match and keep a clean sheet. That is our goal.”
Despite Ghana’s impressive attacking form—scoring 11 goals in their last three matches—Addo remains cautious, stressing that past success does not guarantee future victories.
“We could have won 10 games, but we would still need to win the 11th,” he noted. “Statistics are useful, but they don’t dictate the outcome of the next match.”
Defensive errors continue to be an area of concern, and Addo highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong mindset.
“Football is a game of mistakes—whoever makes more is likely to lose. It’s essential that we stay positive even if we make errors,” he said.
Reflecting on their win over Chad, the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach expressed satisfaction with his team’s efficiency in the first half.
“Everyone understood the significance of the game, and I was very pleased with how we capitalized on our chances early on. That made the second half much easier,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Addo has urged his players to stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.
“No one should get comfortable or start thinking about the World Cup just yet. We have to take it one step at a time,” he concluded.
Ghana will now shift its focus to securing another vital victory as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
