Ghana coach Otto explains Gideon Mensah's struggles in World Cup qualifiers

Ghana coach Otto Addo has delivered a fascinating tactical analysis of defender Gideon Mensah's struggles, identifying why a playing style effective in European leagues becomes problematic in African World Cup qualifiers.

Addo explained that Mensah's tendency for elaborate "deceptions" – quick feints and changes of direction – works in leagues like La Liga because of the structured, coordinated pressing that follows.

However, in the often unpredictable and physically demanding context of African football, such maneuvers can leave players isolated and vulnerable.

"The difference is crucial," Addo implied. "In Africa, sometimes you are tired... you stay there." This tactical insight reveals the sophisticated understanding required to manage African national teams, where players must constantly switch between different footballing environments.

For Mensah and other Europe-based Stars, adapting their game to continental realities may be just as important as their technical skill.

This insight from Otto Addo follows questions raised due to the performance of the left-back in Ghana's recent games.

As Ghana edges closer to World Cup qualification, such nuanced adjustments could prove vital in their final two crucial matches.

The Blacks Stars secured a narrow but important win against Mali sit top of Group I with 19 points and now need four points from their last two games to qualify.

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