Despite the sterling performances in their last two games, Ghana Head Coach, Otto Addo, has cautioned the Black Stars against complacency, declaring that the task ahead of the team has not been accomplished.
He said this in a post Ghana versus Madagascar match comment where the Black Stars recorded a 3-0 victory to stretch the lead in African Group I qualifying to five.
The Madagascar feat followed a 5-0 thrashing of Chad in a similar qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
From a team that struggled to score more than a goal in games, the Black Stars appeared to have changed the dynamics, scoring eight goals in their last games and conceding none.
Coach Otto Addo has, however, warned that the last two performances were good but offers no guarantees for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
“Obviously, it puts us in a very good position to qualify for the World Cup but let’s also remind ourselves that feeling can undo what we have achieved so far,” he said.
He predicted that a win for Comoros against Chad (yesterday at press time) would reduce the Black Stars advantage in the group to only three, adding that a defeat, therefore, could see the Stars surrender the top spot.
“My main objective now is to keep the team focused and let everyone know that it is not over. There’s still a long way to go with four strong matches to be cleared. Thinking we’ve qualified right now is a dangerous thing to do.”
According to him, it was important for his players to keep a high level of concentration and avoid complacency.
Otto Addo also declared that Ghana based goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, will remain the team’s number one at the moment.
“Asare has kept two clean sheets in his debut for the team and has become fans favourite ahead of Lawrence Ati Zigi and Joseph Wollacott and I commended the two goalkeepers for the conduct shown,” he added.
A brace by Thomas Partey and one from Mohammed Kudus gave Ghana a 3-0 beating of Madagascar in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier on Monday in Morocco.
Ghana asserted their control from the outset, dictating the pace and dominated possession. Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the 12th minute, heading home a delightful Jordan Ayew free kick.
After the break, Madagascar made several substitutions, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to alter the game’s dynamics. However, Ghana remained resolute. Thomas Partey scored his second goal in the 54th minute, courtesy another impressive Jordan Ayew corner kick.
Mohammed Kudus added Ghana’s third goal in the 59th minute, providing a comfortable cushion. The West Ham United ace coolly slotted home after being put through by Jordan Ayew.
As the game progressed, Coach Addo made several substitutions, bringing on Ernest Nuamah, Razak Simpson, and Inaki Williams for Francis Abu, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo. Gideon Mensah, who had a stellar game in the wingback position, was replaced by Ebenezer Annan, while Jonas Adjetey came on for Jerome Opoku.
Ghana has scored 12 goals in the qualification group stage, averaging 2.40 goals per match.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
The post Shun complacency; we’re not there yet …Otto Addo cautions appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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