World Cup (Q): “Mali will frustrate Ghana’s qualification chances” – Otto Addo

Head coach of Ghana, Otto Addo has admitted that Mali will do everything possible to dim their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars had the chance to go on 18 points in Group I but fluffed the opportunity very late to draw 1-1 against Chad in N’Djamena in match day seven.

The four time African champions will face Mali in match day eight on Monday, September 8, a game Ghana needs to win at all costs to brighten their chances of booking an automatic slot in Canada, USA and Mexico.

However, Otto Addo knows the sort of challenge that awaits the 2020 FIFA World Cup quarter finalists against the Eagles Mali.

“We are not at the World Cup yet, we have to fight for this, we have to give our lives for this, we are not there yet,” Otto Addo told the media “And our opponents will do everything possible to stop us from getting there so it’s game by game no matter who, no underrating, nothing.

“Mali I’m sure nobody will underrate them, everybody knows they are good but I am not worried so I know we will put everything in but we have to be concentrated to the last minute.

“As long as we have it in our own hands, I am positive [and] we have to still keep it in our own hands and for this we have to win.”

Group I was thrown wide open when Comoros defeated Central Africa Republic in match day 8 by 2-0 to go on 15 points, one behind Ghana and two above Madagascar. Mali sit on 12 points in fourth ahead of the Ghana clash.

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