Otto Addo Explains Tactical Approach Behind Ghana’s Victory Over Mali
- Otto Addo has explained his tactics against Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday evening
- Ghana sit top of Group I with 19 points, having scored 17 goals and conceded just six with two games left to play
- The Black Stars are within touching distance of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has shed light on his tactical approach in Ghana’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday night in Accra.
Ghana clinched all three points in their Group I clash thanks to Alexander Djiku’s scrappy finish at the back post from a Jordan Ayew corner, a goal that proved decisive in a tense encounter.
Source: Twitter
Despite the narrow win, the performance left much to be desired, with the Black Stars struggling to dominate play for long spells.
However, the result keeps Ghana firmly on track in its bid to book a spot at the global showpiece in North America.
Speaking after the match, Addo admitted that his strategy was deliberately built on a defensive foundation, prioritising solidity at the back to shut down Mali’s attacking threat.
"This is football, sometimes you have to fix your tactics. I knew they (Mali) needed to win so we played a little bit defensively and we had good headers in our team because we have three tall defenders in our team and at the end that is his opinion and I understand," he said.
" I had my tactics, we had our tactics and we decided well and what is most important is the three points," he added.
Watch Otto Addo's interview below:
In African qualifying, only the nine group winners earn automatic spots at the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to the continental play-offs, per Cafonline.
How Ghana can qualify for 2026 World Cup
The Black Stars are now within touching distance of booking their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
With just two matches remaining, Ghana sit at the summit of Group I with 19 points, having scored 17 goals and conceded only six. The qualification race remains tense, but Otto Addo’s men know that their destiny lies firmly in their own hands.
Madagascar are the closest challenger in second place with 16 points and a goal difference of +7, having scored 14 and conceded seven. Comoros is still very much in contention as well, sitting third with 15 points, 11 goals scored, and 10 conceded.
Source: Twitter
Ghana’s final two fixtures will prove decisive: an away clash against the Central African Republic, followed by a home encounter with Comoros on the last matchday, according to Flashscore.
One victory from these two games will almost certainly secure Ghana’s qualification. Even if both Madagascar and Comoros pick up maximum points, they cannot simultaneously overtake the Black Stars should Otto Addo’s side reach 22 points.
The crucial fixture is the final-day clash with Comoros. A home win over the islanders would effectively shut the door on their qualification hopes.
Charles Taylor slams Otto Addo
Meanwhile, Former Ghana international Charles Taylor has hit out at Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting he is not the right man to lead Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Taylor was blunt in his criticism of Addo’s tactical approach, claiming the Black Stars have shown little structure or identity since his return to the role.
“I am not happy with Otto Addo’s tactics,” Taylor told YEN.com.gh. “He cannot take Ghana to the 2026 World Cup. If we are serious as a football nation, he must be sacked immediately.” But the truth is, we're not honest people. Sometimes i dont understand why the former players cannot speak up when things are not going well. They way we played against Mali was so bad and it 's all on the coach.
The former Hearts of Oak forward stressed that his comments were not driven by personal animosity toward the coach.
“I am not envious of Otto Addo, but I am simply not happy with the job he has done,” he added. “We cannot continue like this. Ghana deserves better.”
How each Black Stars player performed
Earlier, YEN.com.gh assessed the performances of the Black Stars players as they strengthened their hold on Group I.
Debutant Kwasi Sibo, a late addition to the squad, impressed with a solid display in midfield, while Alexander Djiku — the match-winner — earned the highest rating of the night.
Source: YEN.com.gh
