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Black Stars coach Otto Addo emphasized the need for focus and caution ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR).

After securing their first win in eight games against Mali, the team’s focus has shifted to their upcoming match against CAR on Monday evening at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Despite the unexpected victory over the Eagles on Thursday, which has raised fans’ hopes, CAR is considered a weaker opponent. However, Addo is not underestimating the challenge.

“One thing is for sure, it’s going to be a very difficult game. For everyone who thinks it’s going to be easy, we hope it goes like that, but it’s really a difficult game. We can’t relax now,” Addo told the media on Sunday evening.

The coach, grateful for the support from Kumasi fans, is calling for extra support in this crucial match.

“I was really overwhelmed the last time we came here. To be honest, I didn’t expect that, especially given our performance in Afcon, yet they cheered us on in numbers. That’s why I love Kumasi fans. I love coming here; we need their support from the start to the end of the game.”

Addo believes Ghana has the quality to face Mali. Ghana previously secured a 2-1 victory over the Wild Beasts to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to replicate that result on Monday.

Meanwhile, CAR is also optimistic, having secured their first win of the qualifying series against Chad a few days ago.

Madagascar currently leads Group I with six points, followed by Comoros and Ghana, who are tied with the same points. A win for Ghana will see them move to the top of the group for the first time as they pursue their fifth World Cup appearance.

Jordan Ayew came off the bench to score a dramatic winner for Ghana as they beat Mali in Bamako on Thursday evening.

The Black Stars recorded a 1-2 win over the Eagles to move joint-top of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as they earned their first win in six games.

Ernest Nuamah scored for Ghana after the break to make it 1-1 before Jordan netted the winner late in added time.

Mali started the game on the strong foot chasing an early goal but Lawrence Ati-Zigi pulled off brilliant saves to deny the Eagles.

The goalkeeper first came up big in the fifth minute of the game after a left-footed shot from a Malian attacker before pushing away an effort from a corner.

Ghana’s first shot in the game came in the 16th minute but Mohammed Kudus’ strike went over the crossbar.

Ghana grew into the game from there and had a couple of chances but Kudus, for the second time, shot wide before Antoine Semenyo’s shot across goal beat everyone.

Just when the game seemed to be heading for a draw at the break, Mali found the opener.

Kamory Doubia made contact with the ball after it deflected off Alexander Djiku from his earlier strike to give Mali the lead in added minutes.

The game went into break with the Eagles in the lead.

The Black Stars almost got an equaliser just after the recess but Antoine Semenyo couldn’t get enough of Tariq Lamptey’s low cross.

However, there was no denying Ernest Nuamah in the 58th minute.

The Olympique Lyon forward rose highest to head home Salis Abdul Samed’s brilliant cross to draw Ghana level.

Thomas Partey should have grabbed the winning goal for Otto Addo’s side just before added time but the Arsenal midfielder’s effort from a one-on-one situation was saved by the Malian goalkeeper.

With just minutes away from full time, Ghana surged forward chasing their second goal of the game.

The ball fell to Jordan who fired past the Malian defence to snatch all three points for the Black Stars.

The win means Ghana now has six points from three games and find themselves behind Comoros, who lead due to goal superiority.

The Black Stars will face Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on matchday four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

Watch highlights of the game in the video below;

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has announced a strong lineup for Ghana’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against group favorites Mali on June 6, 2024.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi will start in goal, with Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah as the right-back and left-back. Salisu Mohammed and Alexander Djiku will anchor the defense.

In midfield, Thomas Partey makes his return to the lineup for the first time since October 2023, partnering with Abdul Salis Samed in a double pivot.

Ernest Nuamah, Kudus Mohammed, and Tariq Lamptey, who will play on the right wing, will support Antoine Semenyo, the main striker, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The match will kick off at 19:00 GMT at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

A victory for Ghana would move them up to second place in the standings, as they currently sit fifth with one win and one loss from two games. On the other hand, a defeat would significantly damage their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

LINEUP:

Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati-Zigi

– Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Salisu Mohammed, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu

– Midfielders: Salis Samed, Thomas Partey

– Attacking Midfielders: Ernest Nuamah, Kudus Mohammed, Tariq Lamptey

– Forward: Antoine Semenyo

Ghana coach Otto Addo promises that the Black Stars will deliver high-quality football as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

Addo has returned to lead the team after Chris Hughton’s departure, with the goal of securing Ghana’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having previously succeeded in qualifying for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

At the announcement of a 26-man squad for the June matches, Addo expressed his excitement about rejoining the Ghana Football Association and taking on the role again.

“I’m really excited and happy to be back. It was not easy, but the GFA had good talks with Dortmund. I’m excited and looking forward to the next match,” he said.

He highlighted that his goal is to have the team play attractive football, though he acknowledged that victories cannot be guaranteed.

“I can’t promise victories, but I can promise you that we will play good football. I want to bring back the joy of watching us play. My players will not be afraid of the ball,” he explained

Ghana currently sits fourth in the qualifying group with three points. The team needs to win both upcoming matches: against Mali in Bamako on June 6 and against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10.