Ghana coach Otto Addo talks about balancing 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifications

Ghana coach Otto Addo has opened up on balancing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Black Stars had a slow start to the World Cup qualifiers last year, recording one win and one defeat. However, Otto Addo masterminded to revive the teams qualification chances following a back to back wins against Mali and Central Africa Republic in June.

The West Africa powerhouse will begin the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in early September and will face Angola in Kumasi before taking on Niger at away.

However, the 49-year-old tactician has disclosed approach for the qualifying series as he seeks to make it to both AFCON and the World Cup.

“I told the players that we do have a big goal, but it’s very, very important for us to think about each match and, if you’re thinking too far ahead, then you will lose focus on the next one coming up. So it’s very important that we qualify for the AFCON. The draw isn’t out yet, but it’s also going to be tough”

He continued, “I hope we can use these games to connect better for the next World Cup qualification games. It's very important that we take it step by step”

The former Ghana international replaced Irish-Ghanaian tactician Chris Hughton in March following the Black Stars unimpressive performance at the 2023 AFCON, where Ghana bowed out at the group stage.

He returns to work with a 34-month contract that can be extended by an additional two years.