Ghana’s Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has urged his team to improve their defense in late-game situations following a disappointing draw against Niger. The National Men’s Football Team of Ghana conceded a late goal in the 81st minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw after initially taking the lead in the 44th minute through defender Alidu Seidu.
This result marked the second consecutive game in which Ghana conceded a late goal, raising concerns about the team’s ability to maintain their composure in crucial moments. In their previous match, the Black Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola, with Angola’s Felicio Milson scoring in the 93rd minute at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Addressing the media after the draw with Niger, Addo expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, particularly in the final stages of matches. “Very, very disappointed in the way we allow our goals,” Addo said. “We had a quite cheap goal against Angola and now again this. Just really, really disappointed, and we have to be on our toes to defend these situations better.”
Addo, clearly exasperated, continued, “I don’t know what to say anymore because…we trained in this kind of situation. Really disappointed to see we collect a goal like this.”
The recent draw has left Ghana in third place in Group F, behind group leaders Angola and Sudan. With only the top two teams qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the pressure is on the Black Stars to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming matches.
Key players like Fatawu Issahaku, Tariq Lamptey, and Mohammed Salisu were in action during these recent matches against Angola and Niger. However, the team’s inability to close out games effectively has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
As the Black Stars continue their campaign, Addo’s call for stronger late-game defense reflects the urgency of the situation. With the qualification stakes high, Ghana must tighten its defensive strategies to secure a place in the next AFCON tournament.
