2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Redemption time for Otto Addo, Black Stars
Otto AddoGhanas Black Stars and their embattled Head Coach, Otto Addo, face a defining moment as they return to action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, knowing that anything short of victory could spell disaster.On Friday, the Black Stars host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium in a must-win clash, knowing that a slip-up could make their hopes of returning to footballs grandest stage the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, which offers Africa nine qualification spots more challenging.For a team bruised by their shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) their first absence from the continental showpiece in two decades and a coach walking a tightrope after back-to-back failures, this World Cup campaign is Ghanas last shot at redemption.But for the coach, who has survived the sack, it is much more than just qualificationit is about saving his job and restoring faith in a team that has been in free fall.Otto Addo, who has somehow survived the sack despite presiding over Ghanas disastrous AFCON qualification campaign, well know that anything less than three points against Group Is whipping boys could push him to the brink.This afternoon he will lead his players to begin training at the Accra Sports Stadium and fine-tune their tactics for the upcoming matches.Team in crisisGhana currently sit second in the group with nine points, level with leaders Comoros but trailing on goal difference.However, their abysmal recent form is a cause for concern.The Black Stars failed to win a single match in the AFCON qualifiers and suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat to Niger the last time they played at the Accra Sports Stadium.That bitter loss shattered their AFCON dreams, leaving fans furious and questioning the teams direction.Otto Addo and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have since scrambled to make changes, revamping the technical bench in a desperate attempt to salvage the World Cup campaign.The coach has entrusted veteran forward Jordan Ayew with the captains armband, while the GFA has brought in experienced German tactician Wilfried Schfer and rising Ghanaian coach Desmond Osei as assistant coaches, among other appointments.No room for errorChad, rock bottom of the group without a single point, may not appear to pose a significant threat on paper.