Otto Addo should have stayed as Black Stars ahead of 2026 World Cup – Hans Adu Sarpei

The GFA parted ways with Addo following back-to-back defeats in friendly matches against Germany and Austria, just months after his reappointment in March 2024. The results intensified scrutiny of the team’s inconsistent form in the build-up to the global tournament.

Sarpei, a veteran of the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, downplayed the significance of the recent losses, stressing that friendly matches should not be the sole measure of a coach’s performance.

He argued that Addo had earned the right to continue after guiding Ghana to World Cup qualification, describing friendlies and competitive fixtures as fundamentally different in their demands and intensity.

“When we didn’t qualify for the [AFCON], there was a lot of shouting,” Sapei told Joy Sports.

“Then he qualified us for the World Cup. He brought the team to the World Cup; he should go with the team [to the World Cup]. World Cup and friendly games are totally different,” Sarpei said.

Addo had faced growing criticism despite securing Ghana’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—marking a significant setback.

With the coaching position now vacant, several high-profile names have been linked to the role, including former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, Morocco’s World Cup-winning tactician Walid Regragui, and Saudi Arabia head coach Hervé Renard.

The Black Stars will continue their World Cup preparations with international friendlies against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2 in North America.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, as they aim to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their historic 2010 campaign.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet