Black Stars head coach Otto Addo says he remains confident that Ghana can secure victory against the Central African Republic (CAR) in their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Meknes, Morocco, Addo urged his players to stay focused, disciplined, and determined from start to finish — emphasizing the importance of learning from their recent draw against Chad.
“I just hope that we learn from the experience in Chad, and we have to take it seriously until the last minute,” he said.
“We have to fight defensively, especially to the end. I know we have our offensive strength — we will create chances, and we have to score. I have a very good feeling that we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two goals.”
Injured Stars Return
Addo expressed delight over the return of Alidu Seidu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who missed earlier matches through injury.
“I’m very happy for them. It’s not something you can take for granted — to come back as strong as they are. We’ve been monitoring them throughout their recovery, and they’re doing very well in their clubs. I’m really happy to have them back,” he said.
The coach also stressed that his main focus is not on personal achievements but on collective success.
“I don’t live too much in the past. We have to think about tomorrow; we have to win this game and then we’ll see. Surely, I’m not thinking about myself — it’s about the team,” he added.
Confident of Qualification
Addo believes Ghana’s current position in the qualifying group gives them control of their own destiny.
“We are in a comfortable position where we can look at ourselves. We want to win this game. If we do, we’ll have a high probability of qualifying for the World Cup,” he said.
He acknowledged the absence of Iñaki Williams, who pulled out due to injury, but remains confident in his available options.
“It’s always a loss when you have to replace players, but fortunately, we have a lot of good ones. Brandon Thomas has been in excellent form, creating assists and scoring goals — he deserves to be here,” Addo explained.
Squad Depth and Competition
Addo admitted that injuries to Abdul Mumin and Ernest Nuamah have complicated team selection but sees healthy competition as a positive sign.
“Surely, it makes my work difficult to decide who comes into the squad or not, but that’s what we want. The current situation is pushing every player to give their best,” he said.
He also downplayed the supposed advantage of playing on neutral ground in Morocco.
“We’ve played on neutral grounds before — sometimes well, sometimes not. I’m just happy we’re playing in the evening; it helps our players adapt better,” he noted.
Pressure and Experience
Addo described the pressure on the team as normal, especially given Ghana’s position at the top of the group with just two matches remaining.
“The so-called pressure is part of the job. We just want to meet expectations. The players are experienced enough to handle it,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of consistency and experience, praising senior players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku for maintaining stability in the team.
“Consistency is key to success. If you make too many changes, it becomes difficult for players to connect,” Addo explained.
Kudus’ Form and Message to Fans
Addo also commended Mohammed Kudus for his impressive performances with Tottenham Hotspur.
“If somebody scores, I’m happy for everyone who contributes. Kudus did well — created chances, had assists, and performed at a top level,” he said.
In closing, Addo thanked Ghanaians for their unwavering support and promised that the team would give their all on the pitch.
“Once again, I want to thank the Ghanaian people for their strong support. I hope we give them something to celebrate tomorrow,” he concluded.
Ghana currently sit at the top of their qualifying group, and a win against the Central African Republic at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes would move them within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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