AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Otto Addo refuses to blame pitch for Angola defeat

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has acknowledged that his team could have performed better in their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola, despite the poor condition of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch.

The Black Stars, who were aiming to start their qualification campaign with a positive result, suffered a 1-0 defeat on Thursday after a late injury-time goal from Felicio Joao Milson ended Ghana's 24-year unbeaten record at the stadium.

“I don’t want to blame the loss on the pitch, even though it wasn’t in good shape,” Addo said. “Against Central African Republic, the pitch was also poor, but we managed to win. We simply have to do better.”

Despite the setback, Addo took heart from aspects of the performance and expressed optimism about Ghana’s prospects in the remaining group matches.

“The second half gives me confidence that we can still qualify,” he said. “The good thing is that it’s all in our hands, as we still have to face all the teams in the group.”

The Black Stars now turn their focus to their next fixture against Niger on Monday in Morocco, as they look to recover from the disappointing result in Kumasi.