Black Stars Head Coach, Otto Addo, says scuffles among players can help the team’s growth.
Following Ghana’s 2-0 loss to Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Black Stars attacker Jordan Ayew and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi engaged in intense on-field altercations.
According to reports, the incident escalated in the team’s locker room, and it took some teammates to settle the dispute.
Otto Addo, who has received widespread criticism for Ghana’s recent dismal performance in the qualifiers, had replied to the scuffle, stating that such conflicts allow players to express their emotions.
“And sometimes, to be honest, teams need this to grow. Sometimes I like it better than talking behind somebody’s back, you know, to be direct and straight.
“If somebody didn’t do this or that or if somebody has the feeling, there and there could be things that could be better, then they have to say it because this is what makes us better,” he said.
Otto Addo also responded to criticism the team has faced for their inconsistency over the past seven years.
He said, “I think it’s a long journey. It’s a long time. I think the recent six, seven years where the team was struggling, and now it’s really, really a small downfall. But also the small highlight came with me, with the World Cup 2022. Now I’m responsible maybe for a big, big downfall, for not qualifying. But like I said, mathematically, we still have a chance; we will do everything.
“Football is a great equalizer. And we would work hard for the youth, for the nation, for everyone, to bring Ghana back to where Ghana belongs. We would try to prepare them mentally strong enough to fulfil this aim. And we’ll come back stronger.”
Source: GNA
