Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, criticizes team’s poor performance ahead of AFCON qualifications

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has openly criticized his team’s underwhelming performances in their recent AFCON 2025 qualifiers. After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, the team struggled again in their next match, securing only a 1-1 draw against Niger’s Super Eagles in Berkane.

At a squad unveiling event ahead of the upcoming doubleheader against Sudan, the 45-year-old coach did not shy away from expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s recent form. Addo admitted that while their loss to Angola was a setback, their performance against Niger was particularly disappointing. “I did not like the way we played against Angola in Kumasi, but I think we played badly against Niger,” he emphasized, underscoring the need for the team to improve.

The Black Stars will begin intensive training in Accra on Monday as they prepare for their crucial first leg against Sudan, set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10. The return leg is scheduled for October 15 in Benina, Libya.

Currently, the Black Stars find themselves in a precarious position, sitting third in Group F with just one point from two games. Their hopes of securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations now hinge on their performance in the upcoming matches. The team faces mounting pressure to deliver a decisive win against Sudan to stay in the tournament.

Coach Addo remains focused on turning the team’s fortunes around, with the upcoming matches being seen as a critical turning point. Fans are hopeful that the Black Stars will bounce back and put on a strong performance, especially on home soil, to revitalize their AFCON qualifying campaign.