Former Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, has underscored the significance of a strong start for Ghana's success at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In recent competitions, the Black Stars' slow beginnings have resulted in premature exits, notably in the group stages of both the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Addo, who led the team during the World Cup, stressed the importance of a robust initial performance in the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast.
In an interview with GTV Sports+, he stated, “Everything is possible, but…it is very important to take it step by step. Nowadays there are no weak teams. Everybody can defend which makes it very difficult for Ghana, and the first step is to qualify for the next stage – to survive the group stage, to finish as best as possible and maybe get easier opponents in the following round.”
He acknowledged the challenges of assembling a cohesive team for championships like AFCON, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such tournaments. “It's a young team that comes together. It is not easy to put all the things together at these championships (AFCON), anything can happen,” Addo added.
The former coach highlighted the evolving landscape of football, noting that there are no longer weak teams, and victories must be hard-earned. He concluded by stating, “Once we get a good start, it makes the following games easier.”
Ghana finds itself in Group B for the AFCON, facing competition from Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.