Accra Lions head coach Ibrahim Tanko has voiced his support for Otto Addo, despite the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team ended up at the bottom of Group F, accumulating just three points without a win, having suffered three defeats and drawn three matches.
In the aftermath of this failure, there have been calls for Addo and his entire technical staff to be dismissed.
However, Tanko believes that firing the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach would not be the solution. He argues that Addo should be given the necessary support to succeed in his role.
Tanko emphasized that the challenges Addo faced when taking the job were significant.
“I don’t believe the job is too big for him. He came in at a very challenging time. Remember, he took us to the World Cup in Qatar, though the performance wasn’t as expected, and then he was replaced by Chris Hughton, who was the technical director,” Tanko told Flashscore.
Tanko noted that Addo’s return to the position came with pressure, but he still believes the coach deserves more time.
“His return was always going to come with pressure. I don’t believe we should sack him; instead, we need to give him a chance. With the World Cup qualifiers coming up, should we really be bringing in a new coach?”
Tanko also highlighted practical concerns, noting that Addo recently signed a three-year contract.
“He just signed a three-year contract – if you sack him, you’ll have to pay. Plus, there’s no guarantee that the next coach will make an immediate impact.”
The Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is expected to make a decision on Addo’s future following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON.
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