Ghana coach Otto Addo lauded the team’s resilience after they emerged victorious against Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday night.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Black Stars displayed remarkable tenacity to clinch a 2-1 triumph in Bamako.
Forward Ernest Nuamah scored the equaliser off a header from the far post while substitute Jordan Ayew secured the winning goal in added time.
With this victory, Ghana currently occupy the second spot, reviving their hopes of securing a berth in the quadrennial global showpiece scheduled to unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Before this encounter, Ghana had defeated Madagascar in their initial fixture but suffered a defeat against Comoros, necessitating a positive outcome in this clash to prevent a potentially perilous scenario in the qualification process.
When asked about the performance, coach Addo acknowledged the close nature of the contest, stating, “I think we had a very good fighting spirit, but the game was 50-50; it was even, and in the end, our substitutes made the difference.”
A BIG 2-1 win for the Black Stars against Mali#3SportsGH
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 6, 2024
Regarding tactics, he mentioned employing a specific strategy for this particular game, adding, “In this game, I chose this system. In another game, I might choose a different system.”
With the successful outing against Mali concluded Ghana will now prepare to face the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Monday, June 10.
Reflecting upon the upcoming challenge, Addo anticipates increased pressure due to expectations surrounding their recent success, noting, “The game against Central African Republic will now be even more difficult because we will now be expected to win. Mali and Central African Republic play differently, so I might choose a different system.”
This hard-fought victory represents Ghana’s maiden win in 2024, snapping a streak of disappointing outcomes.
The post Ghana coach Otto Addo lauds ‘fighting spirit’ in win over Mali first appeared on 3News.
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