BY Issah Olegor
Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed serious reservations about the capability of Otto Addo to steer the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the promising position in the qualification campaign.
Ghana currently tops Group I of the African qualifiers with a three-point cushion, putting the team on the brink of qualification for the global tournament to be staged jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
The Black Stars’ recent 1-0 victory over Mali has strengthened their grip on the group and left them needing just one more win from their remaining two matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
Concerns About Performance, Not Just Results
While the results under Otto Addo have largely been positive, critics argue that the team’s performances lack the consistency and conviction required on the world stage.
Otto Addo, a former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach, returned to manage the national team in 2024 after previously guiding Ghana to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, his tactical approach and squad management continue to divide opinion among football analysts and political figures alike.
Speaking in an interview on Wontumi Radio, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu acknowledged that Ghana’s path to qualification looks secure but maintained that the real challenge will come at the tournament itself.
“I am sure Ghana is going to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but Otto Addo is not a coach who can lead us to the tournament,” he said.
The veteran politician, who has followed the Black Stars closely over the years, added that Ghana’s qualification has also been aided by the missteps of their closest rivals.
“I see Mali as the strongest opponent in our group. Unfortunately, they did not start the qualification series well, and it is too late for them to secure qualification. For Madagascar, who are trailing us with 16 points, they cannot win the two remaining games,” he observed.
Otto Addo’s Journey with the Black Stars
Otto Addo, a former Ghana international, first took over the Black Stars on an interim basis in 2022 following the dismissal of Milovan Rajevac.
He led the team to secure qualification for the Qatar World Cup after eliminating Nigeria in the playoffs.
Despite the early exit at the group stage, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) retained confidence in Addo, reappointing him in 2024 after Chris Hughton’s tenure ended prematurely.
His second stint has seen him navigate a tricky qualifying campaign, but critics like Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu argue that the team still struggles to dominate games, often relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than a clear tactical identity.
Next Steps For Black Stars
The Black Stars will face the Central African Republic away in their penultimate fixture before wrapping up their qualification campaign in October with a home match against Comoros.
A single win from either game will be enough to secure Ghana’s fifth appearance at the World Cup.
However, the debate around Addo’s suitability to lead the team on football’s biggest stage is likely to intensify in the coming months, especially as expectations rise among fans who still recall the historic 2010 run to the quarter-finals in South Africa.
