Under-fire Ghana coach Otto Addo has vowed unequivocally that he will not step down following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, the first time the side has missed the tournament since 2004.
Speaking after Ghana’s 2-1 setback to Niger in their final Group F encounter, Addo reflected on the hurdles his squad experienced and defended his dedication to the team in the face of rising criticism.
“I am not the person who can resign. “If I had done this, I would never have become a player, let alone a coach,” he stated.
“If you know where I came from as a person to get this job, you won’t even think of resigning.
“People shouting and telling me to resign can’t affect me.”
Addo acknowledged the team’s troubles defending set pieces, which cost them dearly against Niger.
“We started well, then surrendered a goal from a set piece. We were aware since the previous time we met, they scored from a corner. “We certainly need to improve our defense of these set pieces,” he said. “It seems everything is going against us.”
Despite the setback, Addo saw several positives, particularly the performances of debutants, who he believed justified their inclusion.
“There are some positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” the coach said.
He urged the media and supporters to turn their focus away from blame and toward supporting the players, whom he said had given their best.
“The media has the ability to shape the narratives of games, not just the outcomes. “You have the ability to lift someone up,” he said. “I really need you to leave the players alone because they gave us everything.”
In an unexpected turn of events, Addo utilized the opportunity to advocate for peaceful elections in Ghana, expressing optimism for unity amid the country’s political processes.
“I’d like to pray for a peaceful election. We live in a peaceful country, therefore whatever the outcome, we pray for peace,” he remarked.
While Addo conceded that a draw against Niger would not have affected Ghana’s fate, he did acknowledge the potential impact on morale.
“Everyone is disappointed, and even if we had drawn, nothing would have changed. “Yes, it would have improved the mood of the country as well as the players’ energy levels,” he confessed.
The defeat ended a poor season for Ghana, which finished last in their group with no wins, prompting fans and stakeholders to question the national team’s direction under Addo’s leadership.
