Otto Addo schools Gideon Mensah on African football demands anid playing style

Black Stars coach Otto Addo has highlighted the stark differences between European and African football after holding candid talks with defender Gideon Mensah about his recent performances.

Following criticism of the left-back's displays against Chad and Mali, Addo revealed he instructed the player to simplify his game, moving away from the sophisticated style encouraged in Europe.

Addo explained that maneuvers acceptable in Spain's La Liga become risky in the context of African qualifiers. "In Africa, sometimes you are tired, sometimes you make deceptions with the ball... and you stay there," Addo noted, pointing to the unique physical and tactical challenges of playing on the continent.

This insight provides a rare glimpse into the adaptation required of diaspora-based players when joining the national team. For Mensah, who plays for French club Auxerre, the coaching point is clear: effectiveness in Africa often trumps elegance.

As Ghana edges closer to World Cup qualification, such nuanced adjustments could prove vital in their final two crucial matches.

The Blacks Stars secured a narrow but important win against Mali sit top of Group I with 19 points and now need four points from their last two games to qualify.

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