By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Former Black Stars head coach, Nana Otto Addo, has shared his thoughts and expectations of the Black Stars heading into the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), in Cote d’ivoire.
The Black Stars, heading into the Africa Cup of Nations, are very optimistic about their chances of securing a fifth trophy to end their 41-year trophy drought.
Coaches, sports pundits, and football fans have all shared their thoughts and support as the Black Stars travel to Cote d’Ivoire.
In an interview with GTV Sports Plus on Thursday, January 4, 2024, Coach Otto Addo emphasised the possibility of the Black Stars making it out of the group stage as the best team in their group.
The former gaffer said that although all the teams in the tournament are very strong and tough, a win in the first match for Ghana against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde will lighten everything up moving forward.
He added that the team should take everything step by step to achieve the ultimate goal and not jump to big expectations, because taking it one step at a time is the perfect way of reaching the top.
“You will have to work on a daily basis, train hard, and win each game first, and the rest will come. It doesn’t extend to think always about the cup or whatever; you will have to do your homework first, which is a lot of work, and also survive the group stage and go to the next round. At the end, to win, is so much work, mentality, and right thinking,” said Otto Addo.
He further added that each game has its own character and difficulties, and it will be a very dangerous way of thinking that Egypt is the only competitor in Group B to give the Black Stars a run for their money.
Otto Addo predicted Egypt to be the easiest game for Ghana in the group stage, as there won’t be much expectation for that match.