Chad vs Ghana: Black Stars Coach Otto Addo Eyes Victory in N’Djamena, “We Have to Win”
- Coach Otto Addo is carefully mapping out Ghana’s approach to their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad on Thursday, September 4
- The German-trained gaffer cautioned his players against underestimating their opponents, even as he voiced concern over the state of the pitch
- Ghana currently leads Group I with 15 points, while Chad remains rooted at the bottom without a single win or point
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Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has urged his players to stay focused as Ghana prepares to face Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 50-year-old tactician has guided the team to five wins in six games and is aiming to extend that run when his side takes to the pitch in N’Djamena.
Source: Twitter
Otto Addo eyes a win against Chad
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Addo cautioned against overconfidence despite Ghana’s strong form.
“Sure, we have to take it as it comes. Anything else doesn't make sense. We have to do our homework now here in Chad,” he told the media, as quoted by Ghanafa.org.
The coach, who put his side through their paces for the last time on Wednesday, made it clear that the team cannot afford to slip, especially with rivals chasing close behind.
“We have to win this match to keep those who are behind us in their place, at least with the same points behind us. And if we are a little bit lucky, we can even extend the points. So we have to do our homework.”
Source: Twitter
Otto Addo highlights pitch conditions and Chad’s threat
While Addo remains confident, he stressed the dangers of underestimating Les Sao, who their home fans will spur on.
“And the worst thing we can do is to underrate Chad. I hear a lot of people talking about Chad as if they're not that good.
"And yeah, it's an easy win. People are already talking about the World Cup, but I think this is the biggest mistake we could do, to underrate a team, to think we have already made it. No, it's hard work.”
The Black Stars boss also pointed to the conditions of the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Deby Itno, noting that the artificial pitch could prove tricky.
“It's going to be very, very hard tomorrow. It's going to be tough. The game is on an astro turf. It's a different terrain. And they are at home. The fans will be cheering for them. So it's going to be difficult.”
In his closing remarks, Addo underlined the importance of keeping focus and making the most of early opportunities.
“Nowadays in football, there are no more small teams. And I know that surely if we get an early goal or so, it can be easier. But in football, anything can happen. And like I said, we don't have to underrate them. We have to be focused. We have to be concentrated and we have to believe in ourselves.”
A win in N’Djamena would keep Ghana top of Group I, ahead of Comoros, Mali and Madagascar, who are deemed as close contenders for the sole World Cup ticket available in the group.
See the standings of Group I:
Madagascar sits third, with Mali, the Central African Republic and Chad making up the rest of the group, per Flashscore.
Victory would also set the stage for Ghana’s crucial home tie against Mali, who face Comoros on the same day.
Black Stars stars play ludo and vibe to Blacko's hit song
Earlier, YEN.com.gh shared that Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and two other Black Stars players took time out to unwind before Ghana’s World Cup qualifier.
The group was spotted enjoying a cheerful game of Ludo on the team bus, with Black Sherif’s music providing the perfect backdrop.
Source: YEN.com.gh
