I donât want to blame the pitch for Angola defeat â Ghana coach Otto Addo
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – NOVEMBER 28: Ghana manager Otto Addo celebrates to fans following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Ghana at Education City Stadium on November 28, 2022, in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)Ghana coach Otto Addo has said that while the pitch conditions were poor, the Black Stars’ 1-0 defeat to Angola should not be solely attributed to the state of the Baba Yara Stadium.The loss, which ended Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten run at the venue, leaves the Black Stars struggling at the bottom of Group E in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.Angolas Milson scored a late goal in the 93rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Abdul Mumin to secure the victory.Addo, speaking after the match, addressed concerns about the pitch but emphasised that improvements are needed in all areas.”I dont want to plant this loss on the pitch even though it wasnt good. Against the Central African Republic, it was also not good but we won. We have to do better,” he said.The Black Stars had previously won a high-scoring encounter against Central African Republic, 4-3, at the same stadium.Despite controlling possession for large stretches of the game, Ghana struggled to break down the resolute Angolan defence and failed to convert key chances.With the defeat, Ghana finds themselves with zero points, alongside Niger, while Angola and Sudan lead the group with three points each.The upcoming match against Niger, set to be played in Morocco, is crucial for Ghanas qualification hopes.
