Otto Addo: Ghana ready to beat Comoros and seal World Cup qualification
Head Coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, says Ghana is fully focused and prepared ahead of Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Accra on Saturday, Addo described the game as crucial, stressing that the team’s mentality and preparation remained solid as they chase a fifth World Cup appearance.
“So far, everything is well. We arrived home safely. The boys are already having a lot of games at their clubs. The travelling is not easy for them, but everything looks well, and we are happy for that,” he said.
He emphasised that the players were determined to end the qualification campaign on a high note. “We want to thank our fans with a victory for their support throughout from day one. Even when we started and things were not looking so good, they backed us. We are going into the game with 100% focus,” he added.
On the strength of Comoros, Addo cautioned against complacency, describing them as a strong and well-organised side. “They are really, really good. It’s not like they are here by luck. They have been doing good work over the last years. It’s going to be a difficult match similar to the Mali match, but I am very sure that if we have the right mentality like against Mali, we will beat them,” he said.
The coach, who is on the verge of becoming the first Ghanaian to qualify the national team for two World Cups, downplayed individual credit, insisting that success is a team effort. “It’s never about me. I know that people want to polarise the atmosphere if we lose and also if we win, but it’s always us. The players are doing well. I hope that we will win and make it official tomorrow,” Addo said.
He dismissed claims that Ghana’s recent wins were due to luck, describing them instead as the result of hard work and focus. “We know what we do. We always work hard. It’s not luck. Maybe it’s a blessing that we are in this position. We will do anything to make the dream come true and to qualify,” he stated.
On team selection, Addo said all players were in good shape, except for minor knocks to a few. “Elisha had a little bit of a problem, so we will see how it goes today. But the rest are fine. Gideon had some problems with his left shin, but it’s also better, so we will see what we do,” he said.
The coach urged the players to remain focused and disciplined, noting that maintaining concentration throughout the match would be crucial. “This is sometimes the difference between a top team and an average team. You need to take this out of your mind, to focus on the game and the three points to end this qualification as best as possible,” he said.
Ghana, currently top of Group I with 22 points, needs a win to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Black Stars face Comoros at 7pm at the Accra Sports Stadium.
