Ghana winger Joseph Paintsil has disclosed that the Black Stars had something to prove against Nigeria in the final World Cup play-off after a poor 2021 AFCON campaign.
Coach Otto Addo, who replaced Milovan Rajevac ahead of the play-off qualified the Black Stars to the global showpiece following a 1-1 draw against Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in March.
The Stars claimed the ticket to Qatar 2022 on the away goals rule.
“[Facing Nigeria] was a do-or-die game. If didn’t show anything for Ghanaians at the AFCON, then this is the moment to show them what we were capable of,” Paintsil said on ‘Star Connect.’
“Doing everything possible every game, especially the home game [in Kumasi] was really important for us. Also, it was really important for them to have a goal or to win. But it’s unfortunate we played 0-0, which was also good for us [going away in the next game]”
He added, “It was amazing because when he had the draw and we were going to play Nigeria, even though it was going to be a tough game, mentally the players were ready to sacrifice for the nation. Because it was the same squad from the AFCON, we knew ourselves very well so with Nigeria, through training we were just doing what we were asked to do by the coaches [regarding their weaknesses].”
“We needed to come out with glory because of the AFCON performance because Ghanaians like World Cup even more than the AFCON. The World Cup is special when they hear it.”
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game in Group H on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Black Stars attacker Christopher Antwi-Adjei was forced to this week because of a hip bruise sustained in the last league game against VfL Wolfsburg. On Thursday, VfL Bochum coach Thomas Letsch explained this. Christopher Antwi-Adjei is expected to return on Friday.
It is unclear whether the Ghanaian attacker will return to the Blues and Whites’ starting lineup against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
In May 2021, VfL Bochum, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, announced the signing of attacker Christopher Antwi-Adjei for the 2021–22 season. Christopher Antwi-Adjei signed a contract until 2024 and joined on a free transfer from SC Paderborn.
Christopher Antwi-Adjei has made seven appearances and assisted two for VfL Bochum in the German Bundesliga this season.
VfL Bochum is currently 17th in the league with seven points after twelve games. VfL Bochum has conceded 32 goals and scored 11 goals in the 2022/23 Bundesliga
Alfred Schreuder’s two strikers at Ajax this season in all competitions have been Kudus and Brian Brobbey.
Despite being the starter at the beginning of the season, Brobbey was benched in favor of Kudus, who became the center of the attack.
Following three consecutive starts off the bench, the Ghanaian made his starting debut in the UEFA Champions League victory over Rangers on Tuesday, November 1.
“You want to play every single game but Brobbey got the chance too and he was scoring and doing well too. He is my guy and I am happy for him but at the same time, we have healthy competition which is to push each other to do the best for the team.”
“I think it’s helping the whole team grow. There’s competition everywhere in every position so we just keep pushing each other in a positive way in training and pushing each other to the highest limit.”
“I still feel am best at number 10 but like I said, is for the team so any position I find myself I try to do my best for the team but I know I am best at number 10 position.”
Former Black Stars defender, Sam Johnson has backed the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ decision not to disclose the budget for the 2022 World Cup to the public until the tournament is over.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif earlier said they have already budged for Ghana’s entire campaign in Qatar but he can not disclose the details to Ghanaians.
“We have budgeted for the entire tournament and where we are going to reach will determine how much we will going to spend. So until we finish the tournament, we can’t tell you (Ghanaians) how much we are going to spend but we have a budget estimated for the entire tournament,” Mustapha Ussif said as quoted by JoySports.
“Everyone knows the situation at hand in the country, there is economic crisis, so if they make the budget public I think it is going to disorganize everything.”
“We are in difficult times as a nation, for me, to play safe, I think they will prefer not to mention but if they go there and perform and the budget is disclosed there wouldn’t any complain,” he said as quoted by footballghana.com.
The Black Stars will begin their 2022 FIFA World Cup with an opening game against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Former Ghana captain John Mensah has charged the Black Stars players to be mentally strong ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars is returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018, where France emerged as winners.
“They have to prepare their mind well because in every tournament, the first game is very important. If you get the morale from the first game with a win, it keeps the team morale high so that they can go on well”
“They have to stay together as a team, fight together and I believe they can achieve for themselves and as a nation at large”
Ghana has been paired against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
The biggest soccer mundial will be staged in Qatar between November and December with 32 countries set to battle it out for the ultimate.
The Black Stars will tackle Portugal in the opening game of the Group before facing Asian and South American giants South Korea and Uruguay respectively.
Former Ghana goalkeeper, Richard Kingston wants to set a new record with the Black Stars as goalkeepers’ trainer at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars is returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018, where France emerged as winners.
In an interview, Kingston, who was part of the 2010 squad says he is hoping the current Black Stars team can surpass their quarterfinal berth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The former Blackpool shot stopper played a huge role when Ghana reached the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Ghana were denied a semifinal berth at the World Cup courtesy of a Luis Suarez handball incident in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The West African powerhouse were also awarded a penalty, but Asamoah Gyan’s attempt from 12 yards crashed into the crossbar, which resulted in Suarez going mental on the touchline and sent the game to a shootout.
Uruguay won the penalty shoot-out to progress to the semifinals with Luis Suarez celebrated for his demonic act.
“Personally, I have belief in the Black Stars team but I cannot assure that we are going to win the trophy but I am hoping that we will surpass the quarterfinal berth in 2010 so that I, as the goalkeepers’ trainer will set a new record”
“This tournament is very important to me because I want to set a new record and because of that I have told my goalkeepers that I got to the quarterfinals with the Black Stars, so they have to break my record so I can set a new record”
The Black Stars has been paired against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
The biggest soccer mundial will be staged in Qatar between November and December with 32 countries set to battle it out for the ultimate.
Former Ghana international Sam Johnson has reacted to Ussif Mustapha’s led Sports Ministry decision not to make the budget for the 2022 World Cup public.
The Sports Minister recently confirmed budget for Ghana’s participation in the World Cup 2022 has been approved but will not be made public until after the tournament.
Ussif disclosed government has budget for the entire tournament and that the amount will be made public when Black Stars’ campaign ends.
“We have budgeted for the entire tournament, and where we are going to reach will determine how much we are going to spend,” he said on Saturday during Legends Walk.
“So until we finish the tournament we can’t tell you how much we are going to spend, but we have a budget estimated for the entire tournament.”
Reacting to the decision, the former Ghana defender said, “Everyone knows the situation at hand in the country, there is economic crisis, so if they make the budget public I think it is going to disorganize everything”
“We are in difficult times as a nation, for me, to play safe, I think they will prefer not to mention but if they go there and perform and the budget is disclosed there wouldn’t be any complain” he said.
FIFA are said to have paid $2 million to Ghana as preparation fee and will receive $10 million if they exit in the first round. This means Ghana are guaranteed $12 million.
Ghana are preparing to face Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in the group stage.
The World Cup will start on November 20 but Black Stars will play their first match on November 24 against Portugal.
After Portugal, Black Stars will play Korea on November 28 and then Uruguay on December 2.
Black Stars aim to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has urged Ghanaians to remain positive ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The West African country will be making their fourth appearance at the World Cup after missing the previous competition held in Russia four years ago.
Ghana have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
“Otto Addo is our coach now,” CK Akonnor told Joy Sports.
“He’s got Didi Dramani, George Boateng and Chris Hughton. These guys are very knowledgeable, they understand the game; Chris is a huge guy in the Premier League, so definitely, they will help,” he stated.
The former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko gaffer added, “[George] Boateng, I was supposed to work with him when I was head coach so I had the chance of meeting him, in that same moment I met Chris and spoke to him.”
“When you talk to them you can clearly see you are on the field already. They know what the game is about. They will help Otto Addo, and he will do well, so we should be positive.”
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has said that the government has budgeted for Ghana’s campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but he can not disclose the details to Ghanaians.
According to Mustapha Ussif, they have the budget for the entire tournament, and where the Black Stars will reach will determine the amount of money they will spend in Qatar.
“We have budgeted for the entire tournament and where we are going to reach will determine how much we will going to spend.”
“So until we finish the tournament, we can’t tell you (Ghanaians) how much we are going to spend but we have a budget estimated for the entire tournament,” Mustapha Ussif said as quoted by JoySports.
The Black Stars will begin their 2022 FIFA World Cup with an opening game against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice-President Fred Pappoe has stated that the GFA, government and the leaders of the playing body should agree on a fitting bonus package for the Black Stars.
According to Fred Pappoe, the stakeholders should also take into consideration the current economic situation in the country and not produce a package that will raise eyebrows.
The Black Stars of Ghana will play an international friendly against Switzerland before flying to Doha, Qatar.
Ghana is in Group H with Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay. The Black Stars will play its first game against Portugal on 24th November.
“In matters of this nature I feel there are two important issues. One is timing of the decision making process and the second is the amount or quantum. I feel the timing is really important. What one has to do or I hope it has been done already is for the team, the FA and the government to come together of course with the leadership of the players to determine a very fitting bonus package for the team,” he said on Peace FM as monitored by footballghana.com
“When I say fitting I am not saying a bonus package that will be just one side that is players got what they want or government got what they want but it should be something which should be realistic. When you look at the economic climate now we have to come up with a figure that the players will be happy a bit that will be so unrealistic looking at what Ghanaians are going through now. All these factors will have to go into play,”
Sulley’s love for his deceased mother is an open secret and he reaffirmed it in an interview with Dan Kweku Yeboah: “she was my everything, she is my everything and now she has given me the strength to take care of my siblings which I was ready for.”
In the interview, Sulley said there is one person he cannot turn deaf ears to and that is his mother, “for my mum, whatever she says I do it.”
But he recalled a time when for the very first time in his life, he had to choose between his mother’s wish and his ambition of playing in Europe.
Sulley Muntari narrated that, his mother wanted him to play for Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko while he was yearning to play in Europe because he believed it was the only way to change the fortunes of his family.
He said he almost signed for Kotoko as his mum wished, but he missed Kotoko’s Chief Executive officer, Hebert Mensah at the entrance.
“There was one time we went to Kumasi. We were going to Herbert Mensah but while our car was entering, his car was going out. So, I missed him. I would have definitely signed if I had met him.”
After not tying himself to Kotoko, Sulley took the opportunity to be more thoughtful about his career and how he could change his family’s situation.
Following a long thoughtful moment, he decided to “disrespect” his mother for the very first time.
“But then I came back and sat down. At that age, looking at my mum, and my siblings where we were coming from, I was like ‘for the first time in my life, I will disrespect my mum’. Meaning I won’t listen to what she was saying and pause (Playing for Kotoko) to have a great future. I could see there was a future for it, in the long term.”
“No, they(Kotoko) didn’t see me again. So when I went back to camp, Sly spoke to me. I saw Derek, Essien, and Obodae. They were young and they played for Ajax, Panatheniacos, Bastia and all these big teams. Ibrahim Razak was also playing for Italy. And also I thought about it, looking at old Kotoko, Awudu Adama, even Joe Henricks wasn’t there, Prince Adu Poku, the Stephen Oduros and the likes, top, top players. For me, I would come from school to play only two matches and they will put me on the bench. Because I’ve seen top, top Kotoko players who couldn’t make any impact, so from colts straight to the first team was going to be difficult. So I thought of all these aspects and I said no. Mum, I’m sorry. There was no one cedi at home. No cedi to buy foodstuff and all that,” he said.
Sulley continued that even though his mum was disappointed, his decision was the right way to make his mother whip the benefits of her investment in his career.
“Yes(she was disappointed), but she had invested her whole life(in me). I can come from camp and there is no money. The last one that she should have spent on my siblings, she will say “take it”. Then she will go and hustle from the side. So all of these things pushed to make my own decision to go and I’ve never regretted it.”
Sulley said Hajia Kande came around after he left the shores of Ghana when Alhaji Sly Tetteh secured trials for him at Manchester United.
“She was angry a little bit but after when I left the country(she accepted it). Sly took me right away to Manchester United.”
Although his mother passed away in 2021, she lived to enjoy the fruit of her investments. Sulley is one of the wealthy ex-Ghanaian footballers but prefers to keep a low profile on his wealth.
Black Stars defender, Alexander Djiku is reported to have made an injury return after picking up a hamstring in Strasbourg’s drawn game against Toulouse on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Alexander Djiku started Strasbourg’s matchday 11 French League 1 game against Toulouse but was taken off in the 26th minute after picking up a hamstring injury.
The thought of Djiku missing the 2022 World Cup became a big worry for most Ghanaians as he will be key to the Black Stars’ campaign.
However, according to 3Sports, Alexander Dijku won’t miss the World Cup after returning to group training as he continues his recovery process from the hamstring injury.
“Alexander Djiku returned to group training earlier today after picking up a minor hamstring injury,” 3Sports tweeted.
Host of the E-Forum show on GhanaWeb TV, Benefo Buabeng Abrantepa is anticipating an all-star song for the Black Stars’ campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Kweku Flick and Akwaboah have already released their songs aimed at creating awareness and soliciting support for the Black Stars.
Reacting to the songs and their impact on generating support for the Black Stars, Abrantepa lauded Kweku Flick and Akwaboah for the amazing pieces of work they have put out.
Abrantepa made this statement when he joined GhanaWeb Sports Editor, Perez Erzoah Kwaw, and host Joel Eshun to discuss the Importance of supporters at the World Cup and the most memorable Black Stars’ World Cup song on the third episode of the GhanaWeb Mundial show.
Former AshantiGold SC goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda believes the Black Stars have the quality to make an impact at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The playing body of the current team has come under the spotlight following the last two friendly games against Brazil and Nicaragua.
The West African country suffered a 3-0 defeat against the five-time world champions before recording a narrow 1-0 win over the Central American country.
With less than three weeks to start of the tournament, the Black Stars will commence preparations for the upcoming Mundial on November 10 in Abu Dhabi.
However, the strength of the team will be tested against Switzerland in a friendly on November 17 before the team arrives in Doha on November 19.
With the quality of the team being questioned by many football fans, Dauda, who featured in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with the Black Stars is convinced the team has what it takes to go far.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former Black Stars first choice goalkeeper insisted the team will make an impact with the quality of players available.
Ghana after exiting the group phase in Rio and after failing to qualify for the last edition of the Mundial hosted in Russia will be hoping to improve their performance.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The 22nd edition of the biggest world football tournament will kick off from November 20 to December 18.
Black Stars of Ghana will hold their training sessions at Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sports City in Baaya district of Doha during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Stars will also camp in Double Tree by Hilton Doha, which is located in Doha, City Centre.
Coach Otto Addo’s side will wrap up preparations for the global showpiece with a friendly game against Switzerland before their opening match.
This will be the first time both sides will be meeting. The game will take place on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the Baniyas Club Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Black Stars make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia and have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game in Group H on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.
Youth and Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussifhas said the incentives and other bonuses of the Black Stars will be made public when the team lands in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
The packages and budget for the team ahead of the Mundial is yet to be made known by the Ghana Football Association [GFA] and the Sports Ministry.
However, Hon. Ussif speaking in an interview shared that negotiations have been held with the players and a budget has been made available to cater to the team’s needs throughout the tournament.
According to him, the Black Stars’ bonuses will remain the same as what they revived in Brazil eight years ago due to the current economic situation in the country.
“We have negotiated with the Black Stars on all their incentives as far as this World Cup is concerned but once we get to the tournament, we will make it public to Ghanaians,” Mr. Ussif said during the Walk of the Legends event over the weekend.
“Everybody will know how much the Black Stars are going to take. What we have indicated to them is that we are not going to increase what they had in Brazil, so whatever they had in Brazil stays because of the current economic circumstances.
“We have budgeted for the entire tournament, and where we are going to reach will determine how much we are going to spend, so until we finish the tournament we can’t tell you how much we’re going to spend. But we have a budget estimated for the entire tournament.”
Ghana will face a difficult test in Qatar, having been paired alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H.
The Black Stars will open the tournament against Cristiano Ronaldo and co. before taking on South Korea and will close the group with a clash against Uruguay.
It will be recalled that Ghana’s participation in the 2014 World Cup was blighted by issues of delayed bonuses, with players even threatening a boycott before the country’s final group game against Portugal.
There was also an episode where players clashed with management members and coaches, as the team crashed out at the group stages in Brazil.
Ghana will open camp on November 10 at Abu Dhabi and will take on Switzerland in their final preparatory game on November 17.
The strength of the team has been questioned with less than three weeks to the commencement of the 22nd edition of the Mundial following losses to Brazil and a narrow victory over Nicaragua in September friendly matches.
On November 17 in Abu Dhabi, a friendly matchup versus Switzerland will serve as the Black Stars’ final warm-up game.
“The Black Stars will shock Ghanaians with their performance,” he said in an interview.
“It is too early to raise questions but the team will come good at the tournament,” he added.
Ghana will open camp on November 10 in Abu Dhabi.
The Black Stars who are seeking to improve their performance after exiting at the group phase of the tournament in Brazil have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
The tournament has been scheduled to kick off from November 20 to December 18.
Assistant coach of the Black Stars, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has insisted that the head coach of the side, Otto Addo is fully in charge of player call-up to the national team.
Addo earned the praise from the football fraternity after steering the country’s qualification to the 2022 World Cup at the expense of Nigeria in March.
Over the years, officials of the Ghana Football Association [GFA] have been accused of influencing player call-up into the national team.
However, Didi Dramani, a former Asante Kotoko gaffer speaking to Graphic Sports reiterated that Addo is in charge of player call-up.
According to him, the technical team, headed by the 46-year-old is fully in charge of player selection without any interference from the GFA president or any other official.
“Let me say that there has never been any interference from the GFA President, Kurt (Simeon-Okraku) since we were appointed,” he said.
“No official has ever imposed any player on us so far. He (Kurt) can only share his opinion like anybody else, but he has never imposed any player on us,” he emphasized.
Otto Addo is expected to name his final 26-man squad for the Mundial on November 14.
Black Stars assistant coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has reiterated that the team’s preparation will be known after the friendly game against Switzerland.
As part of preparations for the global showpiece, the Black Stars will engage the European side in a friendly game on November 17 at the Baniyas Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Having suffered a defeat against Brazil and a narrow win over Nicaragua in the September friendly games, the West African country will hope to secure a win.
And according to Didi Dramani, the test will prove the Black Stars’ readiness for the tournament in Qatar.
“The Switzerland game will really tell what we are going to do in Qatar and I believe the team will be ready,” he told Graphic Sports.
“We’re very positive in what we are doing and we only have control of what we can do.
“We learned a lot from the game against Brazil. And against Nicaragua we also learned how to play against a team which can sit back and soak pressure from their opponents,” he recalled.
The Black Stars will officially open camp on November 10 with the official 26-man squad expected to be named on November 14.
Ghana has been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
The 22nd edition of the Mundial is scheduled to kick off from November 20 to December 18.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, says his Ministry will do everything possible to make Black Stars’ journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar a successful one.
Black Stars make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia and have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
“We are doing everything that is possible to make our campaign and the journey to the World Cup successful. We have learnt from our mistakes and we don’t want this Qatar [trip] to be anything bad,” Mustapha Ussif said as quoted by Citi Sports.
“We want to ensure that we go to Doha and come back home successfully, without any problem.”
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
The head coach of the Ghana national team, Otto Addo has disclosed that his team will play good football at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
According to him, he wants to showcase a team that plays good football at the tournament to continue what Ghana has been known for from the past world cup tournaments.
“First of all we want to play our style of play and I think Ghanaian teams in the past always play good football.
“This is what we want and we had previous tournaments showed that Ghana has good footballers,” Coach Otto Addo told TV3 in an interview.
The Black Stars coach is hoping that playing good football will bring the Black Stars needed wins at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“Our football comes surely with victories and I think this is the first thing we want. If we can survive the group stage which I said is going to be very tough, then anything is possible,” Coach Otto Addo added.
Ghana will face off with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana head coach, Otto Addo has indicated that his focus ahead of the 2022 FIFA world cup is to get the Black Stars out of Group H.
According to him, if the Ghana national team can cross that hurdle, then everything will be possible for the Black Stars in the upcoming tournament.
“First of all we want to play our style of play and I think Ghanaian teams in the past always play good football.
“This is what we want and we had previous tournaments showed that Ghana has good footballers.
“Our football comes surely with victories and I think this is the first thing we want. If we can survive the group stage which I said is going to be very tough, then anything is possible,” Coach Otto Addo shared.
The Ghana head coach added, “I know that we can beat every team in the world. Everybody knows that the World Cup, will not come like the whole world expects things to be. I think the first match is very decisive and from there we can know how to go on the second match.”
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ghana will face Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H.
Black Stars goalkeepers Richard Kingston believes his department is safe going into the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The West African powerhouse are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018, where France emerged winners.
The Black Stars goalkeeping department has been a major area of concern in major tournament in recent times due to inconsistencies in performance.
England-based goalkeeper Jojo Wollacot seems to have grabbed the number one spot, with Richard Ofori, Manaf Nurudeen and Lawrence Ati-Zigi being his deputies.
But speaking to GNA during a ‘Walk with the legends’ organized by the Ghana FA, the former Black Stars shot stopper was optimistic goalkeepers selected for the mundial will deliver.
“The goalkeepers we have now have confidence, and you can see that from the recent games we have played. They want to do something for the nation, and for me, that department is safe. Anybody who gets the chance to be in the post will give off their maximum best” he told GNA
Ghana has been housed in Group H at the mundial against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup account against Portugal on November 24 before taking on Uruguay and South Korea respectively.
The biggest soccer mundial has been scheduled for November and December this year, with 32 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in Qatar.
Tema Youth President Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer has predicted doom for the Black Stars ahead of the 20222 World Cup in Qatar.
Ghana has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
The West African powerhouse who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 will begin their campaign against Portugal on November 24 before taking on Uruguay and South Korea respectively.
Speaking to Happy FM, the former Black Stars management committee member was of the opinion Ghana may not be able to achieve anything at the World Cup in Qatar if the necessary structures and systems to achieve goals are not properly laid.
“We will go and come back empty handed if we don’t put in the necessary structures and systems to achieve our set goals as a national team”,
The biggest soccer mundial has been scheduled between November and December this year, with 32 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.
Ghana will make their fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar next month hoping to do better than 2010 squad in South Africa.
Former Black Stars goalkeeper, Richard Kingston says Asamoah Gyan shattered the Black Stars World Cup dreams in 2010 after missing a crucial penalty against Uruguay.
Ghana were denied a semifinal berth at the World Cup courtesy of a Luis Suarez handball incident in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward prevent a goal-bound header from Ghana’s Dominic Adiyiah in the final minute of extra time at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Suarez essentially produced a save on the line worthy of a goalkeeper and he was shown a straight red card as a result.
Ghana were also awarded a penalty, but Asamoah Gyan’s attempt from 12 yards crashed into the crossbar, which resulted in Suarez going mental on the touchline and sent the game to a shootout.
Uruguay won the penalty shoot-out to progress to the semifinals with Luis Suarez celebrated for his demonic act.
However, Kingston, who was part of the squad insists that Gyan shattered their dreams, but was quick to admit that it’s part of the football.
“It was a mixed feeling, our dreams were shattered when Gyan missed from the penalty spot but most importantly we were at the center of history, missing penalty is part of the game,” he told Ignite Media.
Gyan remains the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals. The 36-year-old has played in three World Cups in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil in 2006, 2010 and 2014 respectively.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars face Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay in Group H in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Black Stars assistant coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, has revealed that he was named after a Brazilian football legend, Waldyr Pereira, also known as Didi.
The Right to Dream Technical Director made this revelation during an interview with Graphic Sports.
According to him, his father, George Dramani, one-time General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), named him after the famous World Cup winner on his return from a coaching course in Brazil, the same year he was born.
Interestingly, the name Didi has become even more popular among stakeholders in the football industry than his maiden name Dramani.
“I got the name Didi because I was born when my father, who was an astute coach, returned from a Brazilian tour alongside Asebi Boakye, Ohene Djan, Nana Nketia, Osam-Duodu and the rest,” he disclosed.
Before landing the Black Stars assistant coaching job early this year, Dramani had won the Ghana Premier League title back-to-back with Asante Kotoko in his first attempt in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons, earning him the SWAG Coach of the Year honors in 2012.
Within that same period, the 56-year-old trainer also lifted the 2013/2014 FA Cup and the Super Cup, while crowning it all with the Coach of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014.
All those accolades were preceded by a historic bronze medal Didi won with the Black Maidens at the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, following a 1-0 victory over Germany in the third-place playoff.
He again chalked another first in the annals of Ghana football after emerging as the first Ghanaian coach to work with a European club following a stint with FC Nordsjælland of Denmark in the 2018/2019 season.
Mensah told GhanaWeb that if the team stays together, they can achieve the nation’s World Cup goal during the Dinner with the Legends event hosted by the Ghana Football Association.
In response to criticism of Ghana’s alleged lackluster performance during the international break in September, he noted that friendlies are used to evaluate the team, therefore Otto Addo’s attention is less on results.
He also advised that the team treat their opening game with optimum importance because it will set the tone for their tournament.
During the international break, Ghana lost 3-0 to Brazil before beating bottom-ranked Nicaragua 1-0.
At the World Cup, the Black Stars have a tall order as they have pitted against Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay in Group H of the World Cup.
They will begin their World Cup campaign against Portugal on November 24, followed by South Korea on November 28, and conclude against Uruguay on December 2 at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra.
The current Black Stars team has been cautioned by Black Stars player Emmanuel Agyemang Badu not to seek revenge against South American foe Uruguay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in QATAR.
Ghana enters the tournament as the 32 nations scheduled to compete in the World Cup in Qatar, Middle East, with the lowest FIFA ranking (61st), having been drawn in Group H with the 2016 European Champions Portugal, Ghana’s longtime rival Uruguay, and South Korea.
The four-time African Champion is set to have a reunion with Uruguay in the second group game after Portugal, certainly a match that rekindles memories of what transpired at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they exited in the quarterfinals, losing on penalties to the South Americans.
After 120 minutes, the Black Stars were awarded a penalty following a handball clearance by Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez. A goal would have ushered the West Africans into the semi-finals. However, the Black Stars missed out on the historical feat when Ghana’s all-time top scorer Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty.
The u-20 World Cup winner and current Great Olympics midfielder, on the Class Morning Show on Class 91.3 FM, revealed Ghana’s chances at the 2022 World Cup and stressed on the need for the country not to seek vengeance for the devastating 2010 loss at the hands of the Uruguayans.
“Whoever tells you our group is not difficult, isn’t telling you the truth,” Agyemang Badu said and added: “Well, everyone has his or her opinion.”
“But for me, the group is very, very difficult. It is not tricky, but difficult,” he stressed and warned: “You can’t go on revenge without planning very well.”
“The kind of team the Uruguayans have now, I am afraid, I haven’t even spoken about Portugal, that’s our first game,” he worried.
The Ghanaian football star also highlighted that: “Uruguay sacked their longest serving coach Oscar Tabarez, who spent almost a decade with them, but are still a tough nut to crack under new gaffer Diego Alonso who led the team to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and are currently unbeaten in the last couple of games.”
The 31-year-old midfielder further admitted Uruguay has evolved over the past years with the team currently boasting of top-quality talents plying their trade in major European leagues.
He cited: “Edison Cavani, yes he is aging, but he has 3 goals to his name with club side Valencia in the Spanish league; Darwin Nunez, his exploits with Benfica before moving to Premier League side Liverpool; Luis Suarez is still active; Federico Valverde with Real Madrid is regarded as, arguably, one of the top three midfielders in world football; Rodrigo Bentancur at Tottenham,” to host of the Class Morning Show, Kofi Oppong Asamoah.
“It is an all-round team so I can understand when Ghanaians are fixated on the Uruguayan national team,” he further noted before expressing optimism: “But for me no, with good preparations we can perform in Qatar.”
Coach Otto Addo and his technical team will open camping on November 10, in Abu Dhabi, before the announcement of the complete 26-man squad on November 14.
There is also a final international friendly against the World Cup-bound Switzerland team on November 17.
Emmanuel Agyemang Badu was part of the team that finished at the quarter-final stage of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. That achievement meant Ghana had joined Senegal and Cameroon as the only three African countries to reach that stage of the tournament.
There aren’t many better ways to endear yourself to your fans than by beating your closest rival. Knocking them out of contention for the FIFA World Cup in the process, meanwhile, escalates one’s status further faster.
Otto Addo had only played briefly for Ghana, a 15-cap stint that lasted from 1999 till 2006. But the former attacker found himself thrust into the limelight when the Black Stars needed someone to show them the way.
Addo had been acting as assistant to the head coach Milovan Rajevac since 2021 and watched from the sidelines as his team lost to Morocco and Comoros at the Africa Cup of Nations and suffered an embarrassing group stage elimination.
Rajevac did not last long after that. Days after Ghana were knocked out of the continental competition, the federation decided to part ways with the Serbian and installed Addo in his place on an interim basis. His first task: beat rivals Nigeria in the two-legged third-round play-off for a spot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With their new head coach lacking experience at the upper-most level, and a crunch tie on the horizon, the federation moved quickly to add the same to the coaching team.
Raising several eyebrows, the Black Stars appointed former Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton — who has Ghanaian roots — as a technical advisor.
Former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player George Boateng and experienced coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani joined the staff, too.
Chris Hughton, the Nottingham Forest manager, issues instructions during the Sky Bet Championship match against Cardiff City at City Ground on September 12, 2021, in Nottingham, England. (Photo: Getty Images)
The new team assembled in time for the fixture – a two-legged tie was played over four days with the first leg in Kumasi on March 25 and the return leg in Abuja on March 29, 2022.
The old rivals drew 0-0 in Ghana and 1-1 in Nigeria, allowing the former to seal a berth in Qatar based on the away-goal rule.
Ghana rewarded their new coaching quartet for the job they did by renewing their deals until the end of the year, confirming their place in the dugout for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The Black Stars also enhanced their preparations by recruiting five new players, the most high-profile among them Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams and Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey.
Otto Addo, who, before joining the Ghana set-up, was a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund, tasked with helping young and promising players transition from the youth to the senior team, seems to have the appropriate skills to help bring the new stars into the fold.
Add to that, the experience of Hughton and the team’s set-up begins to look promising. Quarter-finals remain the best finish Ghana have achieved in a FIFA World Cup, and, after a four-year-long absence, the Black Stars will be looking to match – or better – the accomplishments of their past under a new-look coaching team.
With lavish progressive passes that cut Forest loose and rendered their defensive structure useless as the Gunners pounded them 5-0, Partey masterminded an Arsenal carnage at the Emirate Stadium.
In addition to the astounding display, Partey scored a stunning curler from outside the box, bending the ball from a Reiss Nelson setup to the top corner.
The goal was an exact duplicate of one he scored against Tottenham a few weeks prior.
After the game, former Sunderland and England striker, Darren Bent pointed out the importance of Thomas Partey to Arsenal.
“Thomas Partey is key to this Arsenal team, more control more protection for the back line,” he wrote on Twitter.
The post saw a comment from former Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan could not agree more with his former teammate as he commented “facts”.
Arsenal, who are on top of the table are yet to lose a game in the EPL when the former Atletico Madrid man is on the field.
The North London side have had an impressive start to the season as they lead the standings with 31 points, two points above reigning champions Manchester City.
Former Black Stars midfielder, Agyemang Badu has disclosed that missing out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a sad moment in his playing career.
The former Asante Kotoko and Udinese Calcio midfielder despite his form in Europe ahead of the Mundial in South Africa was overlooked by the then-head coach, Milovan Rajevac.
According to him, he felt bad after playing a major role during the qualifiers but was dropped by the Serbian trainer.
“I feel very bad because in the qualifiers I scored like three goals so I was in a great form,” the Great Olympics midfielder told Radio Gold.
“I was playing in and out at Udinese and unfortunately, in our last two games before the league went on recess, I got injured.
“I tried my best, the coach wanted me there but I told myself that no, I’m still young, this is my first time.
“I needed to go back to Udinese and have good treatment and I have more years ahead of me.
“It was a sad moment but thank God I was able to sail through and got another opportunity to play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it was a sad moment,” he added.
Agyemang-Badu was part of the Black Stars team that played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Former Ghana Football Association [GFA] President, Kwesi Nyantakyi has urged Black Stars coach, Otto Addo to be bold and firm on his player call-up.
Player invitations to the national team over the years have dominated the media for the wrongs with reports constantly emerging that bosses and leadership of the FA have been influencing player call-up.
However, the former CAF Vice President speaking in an interview reiterated that no responsible coach will permit anyone to dictate for them in terms of choosing players.
According to him, it will not have any prestige and respect if any coach allows his call-up to be influenced.
“No coach worth his salt will allow somebody to dictate to him who should play and who should not play,” he told Joy Sports.
“If any coach did that, then he’s not a coach because as a coach, the responsibility lies squarely at your doorstep,” he added.
Otto Addo is expected to name his final 26-man squad for the Mundial on November 14 ebfore taking on Switzerland on November 19.
Black Stars defender Daniel Amartey was in action for Leicester City in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Amartey, who lasted the entire duration of the game was one of the standout players for the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers had clearly set up his team to do a containing job on the reigning champions and it had worked effectively until De Bruyne curled a magnificent strike into the top corner from 25 yards four minutes after half-time.
De Bruyne’s goal was reward for City’s dominance, even though they missed the killer touch of the absent Erling Haaland, who has been suffering from a fever and a foot injury.
Leicester almost equalised when Youri Tielemans struck a volley from a corner that was turned on to the bar by Manchester City keeper Ederson.
The defeat sees Leicester City slip down the league table to 18th after 13 matches played so far.
Amartey has made 10 league appearances for Leicester this season.
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has charged the Black Stars to go for the ultimate prize at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana national team will be one of five from Africa that will represent the continent at the mundial in Qatar next month.
Ahead of the tournament, Parliament is already soliciting support for the Black Stars.
Addressing parliament this week, Speaker Alban Bagbin assured the national team that it has the entire support of the house.
He encouraged the team to be confident as he admonished the team to target winning the trophy.
“I want to assure the Black Stars, this parliament is solidly behind them, and they should confidently go for gold and the cup,” Speaker Alban Bagbin said on the floor of parliament.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ghana has been drawn into Group H. The Black Stars will face off with their counterparts from Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.
Former Ghana international, Habib Mohammed says players who played in the qualifiers are not guaranteed a place in the final World Cup squad.
Black Stars coach, Otto Addo will announce his squad for the 2022 World Cup on November 14, having submitted the provisional squad to Fifa.
However, there is a high expectation for players who competed in the qualifiers to be named to the final list for the upcoming tournament in Qatar, but Mohammed thinks otherwise.
Using himself as an example, Habib revealed that he missed the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, but was selected because then-coach Ratomir Dujkovi was impressed with his performances in two pre-tournament friendlies.
“I didn’t play in the World Cup qualifiers [in 2006], but before the tournament, I played two friendlies and impressed coach Ratomir Dujkovic, who included me in the squad,” he told Onua Sports.
“It’s not compulsory that because you participated in qualifiers you have to go to the World Cup. The final decision is made by the coach. Whether or not a player competed in qualifiers, the coach decides who goes to the World Cup,” the former Asante Kotoko and King Faisal defender added.
Habib appeared in two games for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, helping the country reach the knockout stages for the first time.
The Black Stars hope to advance to the knockout stages for the third time this year in Qatar, where they have been drawn into a difficult group with Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
The bus was burnt after the Black Stars beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 3-1 to crash their hopes of qualification.
The chaos started at the Lagos stadium soon after Black Stars had scored their third and winning goal in their World Cup elimination match against Nigeria.
Stones and bottles were thrown onto the pitch in protest as Black Stars celebrated. The players were escorted off the pitch by Nigerian troops.
“When we went to Nigeria and they burnt our bus I was there. Ghana Black Stars we went to Nigeria for Ecowas games they burnt our brand new bus,” he Dan Kweku Yeboah TV as monitored by footballghana.com
“We beat them in 74 we did not fly we took the bus and when the game closed and we went outside our bus was on fire.”
Papa Owusu-Ankomah, the High Commissioner of Ghana to the UK, believes that the Black Stars will make a bigger impression at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Ghana than the 2006 team did.
As the only African team to advance past their group in the World Cup, Ghana made their debut in 2006 and made it to the round of 16.
Owusu-Ankomah, who served as the delegation head for the 2006 team, claimed that the current Black Stars had more international exposure and have the potential to have a bigger influence than the group he led.
“I led the team to the World Cup in 2006, 16 years ago. of course, we didn’t achieve much but we made an impact. And I would think that presently, with the crop of players we have with more global exposure, they will make a greater impact,” he told Saddick Adams in an interview.
Ghana’s best finish in the tournament came in 2010 when they made the quarter-finals.
Their last appearance on the world stage in 2014 ended in a disaster as they suffered a group stage exit, amassing just a point.
They will begin their World Cup campaign against Portugal on November 24, followed by South Korea on November 28, and conclude against Uruguay on December 2 at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra.
Former Ghana international, Laryea Kingston has charged the Black Stars to settle scores with Portugal and Uruguay to qualify for the knockout phase of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana lost 2-1 to Portugal in the 2014 edition and narrowly exited the 2010 World Cup at the hand of Uruguay through penalty shootouts.
Black Stars, who make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia take on Portugal in their first game in Group H on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
“It is going to be interesting at the World Cup because I see our games with Portugal and Uruguay as an opportunity for the boys to perform beyond their expectation,” Kingston told Daily Graphic.
“Against Portugal, the team must see it as a chance to seek revenge after losing to them in 2014 but Uruguay’s game will be something else.
He added, “I believe the team must do everything to beat Uruguay to put the entire continent at peace after what Suarez did to Africa in 2010. It is possible and I believe having that at the back of their minds alone should be enough to win that match.”
The biggest soccer mundial has been scheduled for November and December this year, with 32 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in Qatar.
According to him, the four-time African Cup of Nations champions, who are competing in their fourth world cup, run the risk of accomplishing nothing noteworthy if the proper measures are not taken.
Owner of Tema Youth FC in Zone Three of the Ghana Division One League has spoken his opinions on recent developments in Ghanaian football.
According to him, Ghana may not be able to achieve anything at the World Cup in Qatar if the necessary structures and systems to achieve goals at not properly laid.
“We will go and come back empty handed if we don’t put in the necessary structures and systems to achieve our set goals as a national team”, he told Happy FM in Accra.
The Charlton Athletic FC player admitted that, Ayew, son of legendary Abedi Ayew is one of the players he has always looked up to.
According to him, Crystal Palace FC have got some great attackers and he takes inspiration from them.
“They’ve got a lot of great attacking players. Wilf [Zaha], Jordan [Ayew], [Eberechi] Eze and [Michael] Olise. Those are players in my position that I really look up to. Hopefully, if I just take their advice and keep working hard, I could be there one day.
“Patrick is a great manager. We always train with the first-team. He gets the young lads to train with the first-team so you know there’s an opportunity there. If you keep working hard and performing, you know the chances will come.”
The 21-year-old Ghanaian attacker has three goals and two assists in the English League One this season for the Red and Blacks outfit since he joined on loan.
Former Chairman of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), Mr George Lutterodt is confident Black Stars will progress from their group at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Black Stars make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia and have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
“I think people are not giving the Black Stars a chance. That is good because it would take the pressure off the team,” Lutterodt told Times Sports.
“They will be playing top notch countries and I believe that Ghana has what it takes to come out of the group and then, the sky would be the limit.”
He added, “There are very good young players including Mohammed Kudus, Tariq Lamptey and others that can take the tournament by storm.”
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
Ex-Ghana winger Laryea Kingston is confident coach Ghana Otto Addo has a fine blend of experienced and young talents who have the potential to excel at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Black Stars make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game in Group H on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
“The team is full of quality players who have the potential to make a good account of themselves at the biggest stage of world football,” Kingston told Daily Graphic.
“I have confidence in the technical team to deliver on their mandate and all I ask is for them to be clinical in their attack.”
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has confidently stated that his charges are capable of beating any team in the World.
Ghana are set to make their fourth appearance at the World Cup and will head into the 2022 World Cup as the lowest-ranked country among all the 32 participating countries.
Speaking with TV3, Otto Addo stated that, although his team is capable of beating any team, the first game will be decisive because it will determine how they will approach the second game.
“We can beat any team in the World, that one is for sure. I think it’s the first game for us but also the opponent can be very very decisive on how to go on the second one. Because surely you will go into a match differently if you need points. Then if the opponent has lost and you have 3 points or 1 point, it is a bit different. The first match is very decisive and then from there we can know how to go on the second match,” he said.
The Black Stars have a tall order at the World Cup as they have pitted against Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay in Group H of the World Cup.
Former President John Mahama has urged Ghanaians to support the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming 2022 World Cup which will be held in Qatar.
Ghana will play a friendly game against Switzerland before flying to Doha, Qatar.
The Black Stars of Ghana is in Group H with South Korea, Portugal, and Uruguay. Ghana will start its World Cup campaign against Portugal on 24th November.
The former President speaking after Ghana FA presented Black Stars jerseys to him said football unites the country and we should all encourage the players to give their best on the world stage.
“I urge that all Ghanaians should rally behind the Black Stars. The Black Stars in the past united us and anytime the Stars were playing, there was no political affiliation or ethnic orientation as we all supported them,” he told GFA’s delegation.
“Recently, it doesn’t seem to be the same and I urge that we put all political considerations aside and know that, that is our best national team and for the boys to have the kind of encouragement to give their best on the world stage,”
Portugal-based Ghanaian player Lawrence Ofori has stated the Black Stars strength is in midfield ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
The biggest soccer mundial has been scheduled for November and December this year, with 32 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in Qatar.
Ghana has been housed in Group H at the mundial against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
The West African powerhouse will open their World Cup account against Portugal on November 24 before taking on Uruguay and South Korea respectively.
Speaking to Bola Branca, Ofori, who plies his trade for Portuguese outfit Moreirense, disclosed the strength of the national team is in midfield going into the mundial.
“Midfield is the strongest, because we have Thomas Partey, we have Baba, we have Ayew, we have Kudus. Lately, in Ghana games, all the goals have been scored by midfield players”, he highlights.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old has tagged Portugal as favourites in their clash against Ghana at the World Cup.
“It will be a great game for both teams. Portugal is one of the teams that have the most quality in this World Cup. Ghana also has good players and with a lot of quality, but, comparing the two teams, Portugal is favorite to win the game. football, nobody knows what can happen, so it will be a difficult game for Portugal”
“It will not be easy, because the pressure is all on Portugal, because it is the favourites”,
Ghana legend, Charles Taylor wants the head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo sacked with less than a month to the start of the 2022 World Cup.
Following the country’s qualification to the Mundial, the team has not been convincing with several questioning Otto Addo’s tactics.
Taylor, who played for both Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak believes Otto lacks the technical know-how to manage the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He however added that although Otto Addo is spoilt with options, the gaffer lacks the ability to put together a competitive team.
“That is why I’ve said for Otto Addo, he is not a coach to lead Ghana to the World Cup. Because he has the team all right but he does not know how to organize them,” he told Angel TV.
“So we should rather look for those who can put the team together so that the players who are actively playing will be handed the start while those who are not playing actively will be on the bench,” he added.
Otto Addo currently holds a record of two wins, four draws, and two defeats in 8 games.
The Black Stars have been pitted against Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay in Group H of the World Cup.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has charged Ghanaians to depoliticise the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars are paired in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will begin the campaign against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in the other Group matches.
President Mahama contributed immensely to our qualification to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where Ghana exited at the Group stage.
“I urge that all Ghanaians should rally behind the Black Stars. The Black Stars in the past was what united us and any time the stars were playing, there was no political affiliation or ethnic orientation as we all supported them,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.
“Recently, it doesn’t seem to be the same and I urge that we put all political considerations aside and know that, that is our best national team and for the boys to have the kind of encouragement to give their best on the world stage.”
“They need the support of the whole nation, simply put, we must depoliticize the Black stars. If the stars win, it’s not credit to one political party or the other, but to all Ghanaians.”
He added, “It doesn’t matter under which administration it wins the cup or not, we must know that the boys are from all over the country who are not even political. Let’s all support them because any-time they are going to play, I play my part by tweeting and sending them words of encouragement and I am their number one fan.””Sometimes I get heartache but now that I am a senior citizen, I have to take it slow. Our team had a good second half against Brazil and normally with our team, it is with settling in and settling down. When we go to a tournament, it takes time for us to settle and play our real soccer.”
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
Former Ghana President John Agyekum Kuffour explained why the Black Stars impressed during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The West African powerhouse who were making their debut at the World Cup progressed ahead of top ranked countries like USA and Czech Republic.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the former Ghana leader has disclosed Ghana performed during the 2006 edition because the players were physically fit.
Addressing the Ghana FA delegation at his residence, Mr. JA Kuffour urged the current players to be strong physically in order to compete in the Asian country.
“We must be physically strong at the World Cup because in 2006, the Black Stars performed better because of the strength of the team, you look at the captain, Stephen Appiah and then characters like Sulley Muntari, you can’t just push Sulley down. The Asamoah Gyan’s, and the Essiens were physically fit”
“So one thing I pray you would ensure they go to the pitch physically fit to battle with other countries. We shouldn’t be walkovers, so we must be strong, smart and have stamina and then towards goal, we must work as a team, single purpose team to hit into the post”
“When you do that I’m sure you will come away with flying colours. So you have all my blessings, and prayer. I pray that it shouldn’t be only first round, they should continue to quarter and semifinals. The nation awaits good news from the team” he said.
