Audio By Carbonatix
Former Black Stars coach, CK Akonnor, has urged Ghanaians to be positive about the chances of the Black Stars and its Technical Team led by Otto Addo for this month's FIFA World Cup.
"Otto Addo is our coach now," CK said in a Prime Take interview on the Joy News channel which airs on Friday, November 4, at 7:10 am on the AM Show and Sunday at 9 pm.
"He's got Didi Dramani, George Boateng and Chris Hughton. These guys are very knowledgeable, they understand the game; Chris is a huge guy in the Premier League, so definitely, they will help," he stated.
"[George] Boateng, I was supposed to work with him when I was head coach so I had the chance of meeting him, in that same moment I met Chris and spoke to him.
"When you talk to them you can clearly see you are on the field already. They know what the game is about. They will help Otto Addo, and he will do well, so we should be positive.
"Even when we see negative stuff, let's not dwell on it that much. If we go to the World Cup with a positive atmosphere surrounding the team, I believe we will do well," he added.
Ghana's buildup to the Mundial has been uninspiring. The team lost 3-0 to Brazil in a drab performance and not even a 1-0 win over Nicaragua could give aficionados of this team some hope, but Akonnor, who was in charge of the national team between January 2020 and September 2021, wants citizens to be confident.
"I think we should not panic," CK says.
"We have been to the World Cup three times, and this is the fourth time we are going. We have played some of the best teams in the world and we are going to meet teams we have played before so we shouldn't panic.
"If you lose to Brazil…yes 3-0 is a bit on a high but this is Brazil, the favourites to win the World Cup; we won against Nicaragua, not too convincing, but we won.
"It is positive for the team. Let's pick on the positives; from now onwards, the idea of criticising, and saying negative things about the team should stop," he admonished.
The Black Stars squad has been augmented with the inclusion of players like Inaki Williams, Mohammed Salisu, Tariq Lamptey, and many others. The former senior national team captain says they will help the team.
"The boys can do a lot," he reckons.
"What is, however, unfortunate is that they have not had enough time to gel and they won't get that before the tournament.
"The friendly matches against Brazil and Nicaragua showed that, but I believe there will be an improvement in the next friendly match [against Switzerland on November 17, 2022]."
Ghana is housed a group with familiar foes Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea. The team will begin camp on November 10, and leave for Qatar on November 18 for the World Cup.
The Black Stars will open its tournament return on November 24 against Portugal.
Latest Stories
-
Ayalolo extends bus operating hours to ease peak-time commuter pressure
27 seconds -
Man arrested for allegedly stabbing woman in both eyes with scissors at Sefwi Abrokofe
31 minutes -
Health Ministry to investigate Fourth Estate report on Ridge Hospital
35 minutes -
At least 39 dead, 152 injured in high-speed train collision in southern Spain
41 minutes -
Video: Galamsey and the Bui Power Plant; illegal mining threatens dam’s future
42 minutes -
GNFS intensifies fire safety education and inspections across Greater Accra
44 minutes -
DRIP formalised nationwide to ensure efficiency and sustainability – Vanderpuye
45 minutes -
Mahama’s economic gains favour the rich, not ordinary Ghanaians – Dennis Miracles Aboagye
51 minutes -
WPL 2025/26: Ampem Darkoa Ladies stretch gap in Northern Zone after latest win
51 minutes -
Dr Godwin Djokoto calls for reorientation of public land ownership
52 minutes -
Blackstar Experience had no budget for 2025 – Rex Omar
57 minutes -
Coconut Grove Regency Hotel celebrates staff excellence at Annual Awards Dinner
58 minutes -
Coconut Grove Regency Hotel honours staff for dedication and professionalism
1 hour -
NPP presidential aspirants to sign peace pact ahead of flagbearer race
1 hour -
WPL 2025/26: Army Ladies, Jonina Ladies falter as Hasaacas Ladies beat Oak Ladies
1 hour
