Otto Addo has never been one to bow to pressure. As Ghana gear up for a crunch 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mali in Accra, the Black Stars boss has made it clear that he is unmoved by growing criticism and speculation over his future.
Otto Addo’s record is not flattering. In his second stint in charge, he has managed 15 games with five wins, five draws, and five defeats. His side have scored 27 goals and conceded 18, leaving him with a win rate of just 33.3 percent.
Yet the coach insists the numbers don’t tell the full story. “These statistics of my wins and losses are of no use. I’m not afraid of anything, not even getting sacked. We are still on top of Group I, so nothing has changed,” he declared defiantly.
That response came just days after Ghana stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Chad. A late equaliser denied them a sixth straight win and sparked frustration among fans who expected more from a team of Ghana’s stature. The result intensified scrutiny on Otto Addo, who admitted disappointment but urged perspective.
“Everybody was very disappointed after the draw in Chad. The expectation was high for us to win. We analyzed the game very well and I’m very sure we will show another phase in Accra,” he said.
There were also mitigating factors. Thomas Partey, battling illness, told Otto Addo at half-time he could not provide intensity, while Ibrahim Sulemana was sidelined with injury. The coach admitted he felt “restricted” with substitutions as midfield legs tired in the N’Djamena heat. Sulemana has since left camp for further checks in Bologna.
Context adds weight to the criticism. Under Otto Addo, Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a setback Mali coach Tom Saintfiet described as “shocking.” With the Eagles in form after a 3-0 victory over Comoros, the stakes for Monday’s clash could not be higher.
Still, Accra offers hope. Otto Addo believes the home crowd can spark his side back into rhythm, pushing his players to dig deeper. “It’s easier to play at home with our spectators supporting us, pushing the last percentages out of the body of the players,” he explained.
Victory would be more than a morale boost. It would extend Ghana’s lead at the top of Group I, put daylight between them and Comoros, and restore belief in a team desperate to prove its worth. For Otto Addo, it is more than just a match, it is a chance to remind a nation why he still believes.
