We were not good enough – Ghana coach Otto Addo assesses Black Stars performance in friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda

Ghana coach Otto Addo has given a general overview of the Black Stars performance during the March international break.

The Black Stars failed to win their first two games in Otto Addo’s second stint as Ghana national team head coach.

The outgoing Borussia Dortmund talent coach was named as Black Stars coach at the start of March for a second spell after he left the role following Ghana’s group stage exit at the AFCON 2023.

The four-time champions from Africa suffered a 2-1 defeat against traditional rivals Nigeria last Friday, conceding goals in both halves.

In their recent international friendly at Stade Marrakesh, the Black Stars twice surrendered their lead, resulting in a 2-2 draw against Uganda.

Defender Jerome Opoku headed home Ghana’s opening goal before Kotoko star Steven Desse Mukwala leveled pegging for Uganda.

Crystal Palace star Jordan Ayew converted from the spot to restore Ghana’s lead but the Cranes staged a comeback in the dyeing embers of the game to snatch a draw after Mohammed Shaban found the back of the net.

Assessing the performance of the team after the two freindlies, Otto Addo said, “General overview, we didn’t win a game which is bad”

“In the first game, even though we lost but you could see that there were a lot of positive things especially in second half with ten men, playing good football and with good movement, well positioned against a strong Nigerian team with a lot of young players”

“In the second match, it was more difficult for us and I know that, if you want to build something especially like having ball possession, playing out from the back there will be mistakes and with mistakes, sometimes come a little bit of fear to also make mistakes so we have to get over it”

Otto Addo insists his outfit stalemate Uganda is a good learning experience for the team.

“It was a good learning today, there were some good part. To play 2-2 against Uganda, we expected more even though a lot players were missing, I don’t have to say but still we could have done better, a bit unlucky with the two goals against us”

“In all, the football we played was not good enough. We should have created more chances especially in the final third, so we have work on creating more chances, finishing must be better under pressure so we have a lot of work to do. To be honest, the last games in January were not good before I came so it’s a process” he added.

Ghana faces a crucial away 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mali in the neighboring West African nation, followed by another significant match against the Central African Republic back home three days later.

With just three points from two matches, one win and one loss, Ghana currently occupies third place in Group I.