As criticism mounts following Ghana’s 2-0 loss to Sudan, Otto Addo has urged his players to stay mentally resilient and avoid being affected by external pressures.
The coach spoke candidly about the impact media criticism can have on the team’s mindset, stressing the importance of mental strength.
“There’s a lot of influence from the media, but the players must believe in themselves,” Addo said. “Even if you miss a chance, don’t let that get into your head. It’s a mind game, and we need to be mentally strong.”
Addo pointed out that allowing negativity to seep into their game could affect the players’ performance, especially in high-pressure situations. He advised the squad to stay focused on their tasks and not be swayed by external opinions.
“You have to believe in yourself and in your teammates, even if you’re 2-0 down,” he continued. “In my career, I’ve seen everything. With the right mentality, you can still win.”
The coach’s comments come at a crucial time, as the Black Stars face intense scrutiny over their qualification campaign.
Ghana will face Niger and Angola in their remaining two matches in November.
Ghana are 10 points behind Group F leaders Angola and 5 points adrift of second placed Sudan.
