Under Coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars of Ghana has sunk to levels not seen in over two decades of international football.

So despite the credit for qualifying Ghana to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after playing just two games against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a play-off over two legs, he’ll also go down as one of the worst coaches to occupy the office as the team’s coach.

Sadly, he has failed to do what Ghanaians expect from him – to resign honourably.

Coach Kwesi Appiah and other coaches that handled the team were forced out under similar circumstances, although performances under them came nowhere near the Otto Addo level.

So, why the FA appear calm and relaxed about Otto Addo case and feels an apology was enough to give Ghanaian fans a peaceful sleep, is mind-boggling.

Several school of thoughts have come up for this. A section has argued that the nature of his contract with the FA of Ghana by extension would require a huge compensation to kick him out.

Ghana’s economy would obviously not support that.

Others are on the view that Addo and the FA are bed-fellows, with the FA being complicit in the selection of players into the Black Stars.

This will be difficult to establish but the quality of some of the players invited into the team and the performance they demonstrate on the field of play sometimes serve enough evidence of this claim.

In such an instance, telling Otto Addo in the face that he lacks the acumen to lead the Black Stars to the Promised Land would be the FA’s biggest headache.

Under Addo, who also featured as a player for the team, the Black Stars recorded the worst result in the history of AFCON qualifiers – failing to win a single game from six games.

It becomes even more painful when one considers the strength of opponents lined up against the Stars.

Not to sound disrespectful to countries, the Black Stars and Otto Addo should have no excuse for failing to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON against the Palencas Negras of Angola, Sudan and Niger.

A bottom placement in such a group is surely alien to the Ghanaian game. That should make it easier for Addo to vacate his post.

The good or bad news, however, is that, like he explained, he’s no quitter. Otto Addo wants to show Ghanaians that he has a big heart, perhaps, similar to the Captain on the Titanic ship in that famous movie.

And since the FA is in no position to sack him, perchance to save the association or country an unspecified amount as compensation, Ghanaians must accept that harsh reality and change position or attitude towards the team.

With the first opportunity blown in our faces, the next assignment would be the qualifiers for the USA, Canada and Mexico FIFA World Cup 2026, which Ghanaians look up to in anticipation.

Barring any unforeseen development, Otto Addo may lead the onslaught on an adventure that looks even more challenging than the one that offered two slots yet the Black Stars went nowhere near it.

At this stage of the qualifiers, only one slot is allotted to the group. This situation must compel Addo and other stakeholders to aim to pay particular attention to the caliber of players selected into the national team.

Upshots of the post-Niger match press conference should guide him to know that when he allows excessive interference in player selection, he would face the brunt of Ghanaians alone.

Selection of players must be his prerogative. A few can be suggested by administrators who would suddenly begin to work as scouts but the ultimate decision must be his.

Secondly, the commitment and dedication of these players must be paramount. Obviously being an assignment aligned to the World Cup, players may show some level of commitment but those with doubt, as exhibited in the AFCON qualifiers, should be made to face the exit door irrespective of stature.

The last invitation handed to some local players and the opportunities given to Rasheed Simpson and Jerry Afriyie should make the foreign legion know that they cannot hold an entire nation to ransom.

Last and not the least, fans must overcome the shock and disappointment,s and rally around the team to qualify for the World Cup.

By Andrew Nortey

Aduana FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko are expected to battle it out for the maximum points at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in a top liner of match week 12 of the Ghanaian top-flight, on Sunday.

Kotoko has eyed a return to winning ways after losing two consecutive games but it has eluded them.

They have gone on an additional two match losing streak, raising it to four, the last to Nations FC at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.

That is obviously putting Coach Prosper Ogum under pressure to halt the team’s dwindling fortunes, but at Dormaa against Aduana may rather worsen the plight of the Porcupine Warriors.

It appears the absence of their striker, Albert Amoah, has affected them as their attack has failed to find the back of the net.

Aduana at home would also pose a challenge similar to what Nations FC provided; that could stretch the Porcupine Warriors losing streak.

League leaders, Nations FC, will aim to consolidate their position at the top when they host Berekum Chelsea at their favourite Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex tomorrow.

Dreams FC, fresh from their consecutive wins in the top-flight, would be at home to battle Karela United at the Tuba Astro Turf on Sunday.

Basake Holy Stars entertain FC Samartex 1996 in the Western derby at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park, while Medeama SC travel to Wenchi to face off against Young Apostles FC on Sunday.

Heart of Lions will aim to continue their fine form when they host Legon Cities FC at the Kpando Stadium.

Bechem United will seek to make it two out of two wins when they take on Accra Lions at the Nana Gyeabour Park in Bechem, while Gold Stars FC host Vision FC at the Duns Park on Sunday.

A resurgent Accra Hearts of Oak side would host Nsoatreman FC at the University of Ghana Stadium today at 7pm.

By Spectator Sports Reporter