Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the team as they prepare to face Angola in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier.
Ghana will face Angola’s national team, Palancas Negras, in the fifth round of the qualifiers at Estádio 11 de Novembro, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.
Addo emphasized that strong fan support boosts player morale, while harsh criticism can have the opposite effect, creating a challenging atmosphere for the players.
He urged Ghanaians to reduce the criticism and back the team wholeheartedly in their quest to defeat Angola.
“I ask for your support. When players feel at home, they give their best. But in a toxic environment, it’s hard for them to perform. They’re human, and they need our support. We all want Ghana to win and succeed,” Addo said.
The 45-year-old coach also shared the technical team’s efforts to foster a positive environment, aiming to build the players’ confidence ahead of the match.
“Our staff is working to make the players feel comfortable, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects of previous games. We created plenty of scoring opportunities, so now it’s about converting them into goals,” he added.
With only two points from four games, Ghana faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON. However, following Niger’s 4-0 victory over Sudan, the Black Stars still have a chance—now needing to win both against Angola and Niger to qualify.