Ghanaian football is at a pivotal crossroads as the Black Stars prepare for their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar. With national pride on the line, the future of head coach Otto Addo has become the center of intense scrutiny following the team's dismal performance, marking one of the frustrating chapters for Ghanaian football fans.
Former Ghanaian defender Sam Johnson has spoken out about the upcoming matches, believing they will be decisive for Addo’s future as the national team's coach. Addo, 49, has faced harsh criticisms after failing to guide the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Under his leadership, the team had one of its worst campaigns, winning none of their six matches, with three draws and three defeats resulting only in three points.
With the World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, Johnson stressed the urgency of the situation. “I can give myself another chance like Otto is doing. [If I were him] I would do my best, I’ll push to get to qualify for the World Cup to redeem myself or my name so Ghanaians will come back to me,” he told JoySports.
These upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar are scheduled for March, making them not just qualifying matches but also potential turning points for the coach. Johnson added, “I will give myself the chance, but it is the last chance he [Otto Addo] can get. Because after this one, I don’t think Ghanaians will be okay with him even coming back to be an assistant coach of the Black Stars.”
It's clear the stakes are high. While the Black Stars currently hold the joint top position in their qualifying group alongside Comoros, the pressure is mounting on Addo to display significant improvement. Should the team fail to secure wins, it could mar Addo's prospects of remaining at the helm of the national team moving forward.
The Ghana Football Association's support for Addo has been tested, and the upcoming matches seem to provide the coach with the opportunity he needs to solidify faith from fans and officials alike. A victory could serve as redemption, helping the Black Stars reclaim their historical standing as one of Africa's prospected football powers.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the results of these qualifiers, as they hold the potential to either solidify Addo's tenure or mark the beginning of his exit from coaching Ghana's most beloved football team.