Ibrahim Sannie Daara has defended Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting the 49-year-old has been unfairly criticised following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Addo, a former Borussia Dortmund talent coach, came under intense scrutiny after the Black Stars missed the continental tournament for the first time in 21 years.
Fans and pundits questioned his tactical approach, while Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams described him as “lucky” during the World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the backlash, Addo guided Ghana to an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, securing victories in seven of the eight matches under his leadership.
“Throughout our qualifying history in Ghana’s World Cup campaigns, we’ve not had such an impressive outing,” Daara, a former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, told Joy Sports.
“All credit to everyone involved, particularly the coach [Otto Addo], who has, in my opinion, been unfairly targeted.
“The level of scrutiny – even to the point where a reporter can confront him and say, ˜Look, you are not qualified to coach our country; you should leave’ – was difficult. And for him to have turned it around, massive congratulations to him,” he added.
Addo is expected to lead the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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