Black Stars on World Cup path but boss Addo warns against complacency

Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, have enjoyed a resurgence in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, but head coach Otto Addo is urging his players to remain grounded.

Following a challenging 2024 that saw the team secure only two victories in 14 matches and, crucially, fail to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004, the Black Stars have begun 2025 with renewed vigour.

They delivered an emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad on home turf before travelling to Morocco to secure a convincing 3-0 win against Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium.

Speaking after the comfortable victory over the Malagasy side on Monday, 24 March, Addo acknowledged the positive start but cautioned against any premature celebrations.

“I think we’re in a good position, but this is also a danger,” he said, emphasising the need for continued focus as the qualification journey continues. “The job is really, really not done.”

The coach highlighted the competitive nature of their qualification group, noting the potential for other teams to close the gap.

“Surely, maybe if Comoros win, we’re just three points ahead of Comoros. And we still have a long way to go. We have to be focused. If anyone thinks we’re through, then he’s making a big, big mistake. And I’ve seen a lot of football, a lot of things happening, and we have to stay focused.”

Despite his cautious message, Addo did praise the team’s recent performances and their determination to learn from the disappointments of the previous year.

“Things can turn very, very fast,” he warned. “But, I’m very, very happy for the results, for the way that we played. I think it was, at the end, well-deserved. And, yeah, we’re looking forward to the other games.”

Concluding his remarks, Addo reiterated the importance of maintaining their current momentum. “We can’t change the past. We have to look forward and try our best to use this position in which we are now to qualify for the World Cup.”