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Post Match Presser: Every word from Coach Otto Addo after Mali victory

Our head coach Otto Addo had plenty to smile about after his side delivered a stunning win on the road in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali on Thursday.

We came from behind to record a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Eagles of Mali and also recorded our 1st competitive win in 2024. After the game the boss was asked about the performance, nerves, the state of mind going into the next game and playing in an unusual temperature in Bamako.

Here’s a full transcript of the post-match presser:

On problems in the early stages of the game

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I think we had big problems in the first twenty minutes. Mali made good pressing; we had difficulties to stand firm and allowed them to make chances. After that the tempo of the game went down, we controlled the game until they scored. It was a little bit unnecessary to go down (0-1). It was a lucky goal but in the second half we came back stronger, we deserve to get the equalizer we had some good crosses and some good chances which didn’t go in but later we scored. After the goal, Mali made some changes; we had some difficulties and so we also had to make some changes and this is very, very important for the team to understand that this is a team. Not only the first 11 decides the game, also those on the bench and Fatawu did it. Good job in pressing, winning the ball, Jordan was there and he scored. In the end he was a little bit lucky to score but I think in all well deserved.

On playing in an unusual weather condition

We played good under this circumstances, 42 degrees, is very, very hot for us but I think we did well to finish this game as winners.

On-going into the game with a winning mentality

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We had a win in our mind but I wanted to get to the game and have a feel first. For me it was very difficult to play a fully attacking game because Mali is a good team and it’s very, very hot here. So I have to see how the game will go and decide either to put more offensive players or defensive players. So in the end, we made changes by bringing on more offensive players and they scored for us.

On fighting spirit

I think we had a very good fighting spirit but this game was at the edge, it was 50/50. I think Mali had some good chances; they have a very good team. I don’t think it’s fair for the fans to boo the players to be honest because this game was even. And at the end our substitutes made the difference, we scored and we are happy. But we had a very good fighting spirit that is true.

On keeping the three back system

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Every game has different demands. For this game, I chose this system but in the next game, maybe I will chose something else don’t know yet. So we will look firmly to see what we can do against Central African Republic. To be honest, it’s going to be tougher because now everybody expects us to win and it’s going to be difficult just like today. These games are on the edge. If you see all the games, they are all on the edge. Central African Republic picked a draw against Mali so we have to expect a very, very strong team against us. They won 1-0 yesterday so it’s very, very tight and it’s going to be difficult and like I said every game demands different option, different actions because Mali play different from Central African Republic. I can’t say I will play the same, maybe I will do so if I this will be the right thing but for now I don’t know.

Source: GFA COMMUNICATIONS

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Ampem Darkoa, Sung Shinning seek crucial wins in Northern Zone of Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League

 Ampem Darkoa Ladies return home after shocking exit from the Women’s FA Cup at the hands of Division One side Rootz Sistaz. 

Despite this setback, the former champions remain unbeaten in the Women’s Premier League, following a draw with Northern Ladies in their last fixture. 

Meanwhile, bottom-placed Sung Shining Ladies, based in Wa, will host Northern Ladies, aiming to secure maximum points and escape the relegation zone.

Here is what to expect in the Northern Zone:

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Sung Shining Ladies FC vs. Northern Ladies FC

Sung Shining Ladies FC will host Northern Ladies FC, seeking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarterfinal disappointment. The home side has struggled to maintain leads in recent matches. Northern Ladies FC will look to continue their momentum and move up the table.

Ampem Darkoa Ladies vs. Kumasi Sports Academy

Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to the premier league after a shocking FA Cup exit. They remain unbeaten in the league and will look to maintain their run against Kumasi Sports Academy, who are struggling in 8th position.

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Tamale Super Ladies vs. Fosu Royal Ladies

Tamale Super Ladies will seek a second consecutive win when they host Fosu Royal Ladies. The Super Ladies are fifth in the table, while Fosu Royal Ladies are fourth. A win could push Tamale Super Ladies into the top four.

Dreamz Ladies vs. Prison Ladies

Dreamz Ladies will take on Prison Ladies in an electrifying encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this clash promises to be a thrilling display of determination.

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Supreme Ladies vs. Savannah Ladies

Supreme Ladies will clash with Savannah Ladies at the Bantama Astro Turf. Both teams are seeking to improve their standing in the league table. Supreme Ladies are bottom of the table and will look to pick maximum points at home.

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Hasaacas Ladies face off against Police Ladies in Southern Zone as Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League returns

The Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League resumes this weekend with Match Day 12, featuring highly anticipated clashes. In the Southern Zone, leaders Hasaacas Ladies face off against second-placed Police Ladies in a thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the weekend. 

Two points separate the two teams as Police Ladies trail record holders Hasaacas Ladies in the title race. Meanwhile, Halifax Ladies will host struggling Berry Ladies, with the home team seeking maximum points to improve their league standing.

Here is what to expect in the Southern Zone:

Epiphany Warriors vs. LadyStrikers

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Epiphany Warriors, currently 4th with 21 points, face LadyStrikers, who sit 6th in the table with 13 points. Despite their standings, LadyStrikers have shown they can compete against tougher opponents following an impressive showing against the top three teams.

 Epiphany Warriors are poised to start as favorites, but they must remain cautious of LadyStrikers’ formidable quality.

Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies

Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth.

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Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies

Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth with a 5-1 win.

Police Ladies vs. Hasaacas Ladies

League leaders Hasaacas Ladies face Police Ladies, who aim to reclaim the top spot on home turf. Hasaacas Ladies are favorites following their Women’s FA Cup quarter-final heroics. They lead the table with 24 points – two points ahead of their host going into this epic clash.

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Halifax Ladies vs. Berry Ladies

New entrants Halifax Ladies, seeking consistency, face strugglers Berry Ladies, who are deeply, rooted at the bottom of the Southern Zone standings.

Faith Ladies vs. Army Ladies

Faith Ladies, with 8 points, host Army Ladies, who are enjoying a strong campaign in fifth place with 20 points. Army Ladies will aim to extend their unbeaten run.

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