The Team Must Understand Not only the first 11 Decide the Game- Otto

Otto Addo, the Head Coach of Ghana’s Senior National team has stated that the outcomes of football games do not solely depend on the starting 11 but also on all benched players who may come on later.

He believes this is an important lesson his team must learn to live with.

Speaking at a post-match press conference on Thursday after their win against Mali in Bamako, the former Borussia Dortmund coach said changes are part of games and are necessary to bring freshness to the field.

Giving his assessment of the game he said, “After Mali changes we had some difficulties because they brought some freshness and we also made some good changes and this is very very important for the team to understand that this is a team. Not only the first 11 decide the game but also those who come from the bench.”

His statement comes as substitute Jordan Ayew came from the bench to deliver to Ghana the crucial winner of the game.

“Fatawu did a good job in pressing, winning the ball. Jordan was there on the bench but {he came off the bench and} at the end we were lucky to be able to score. In all it was well-deserved,” Otto remarked.

In his observation, the team did a remarkable job as the city recorded a high temperature of 42°.

The Black Stars came from behind to stun Mali by 2-1.

The opponent took the lead seconds to half time thanks to Mamadou Doumbia but a determined Coach Otto Addo’s side found an equalizer through Olympique Lyonnais’ forward Ernest Nuamah.

After minutes of desperate search for the winner by both teams, substitute Jodan Ayew did the magic with his injury-time strike, claiming all three points for Ghana.

The triumph sent Ghana to the second spot on the Group I table with six points- the same as unbeaten Comoros who lead the log.

Ghana will play against the Central Africa Republic on June 10, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and will need a convincing score to boost their hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.