We must stay focused – Otto Addo cautions Black Stars against complacency ahead of Madagascar clash

Ghana coach Otto Addo has urged his players to stay focused and avoid complacency as the Black Stars prepare to face Madagascar in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday.

With Ghana topping Group I after a win against Chad, a victory over Madagascar could see them open a five-point lead – but Addo insists now is not the time to relax.

“It’s very, very important that we stay focused until we’ve made the job, and now it’s the whole focus about Madagascar,” he stressed as quoted by Ghana FA.

“We really, really want to win this match, we want to have a clean sheet, and this is what we’re looking for.”

Addo added that past results do not guarantee future success: “We could have won 10 games, and still we want to win the 11th. Statistics are good, but they don’t indicate that you will win or lose the next match.”

While Ghana has scored 11 goals in their last three matches, defensive lapses remain a concern.

“Football is a sport of mistakes, and who does more will lose. It’s very, very important that we have a positive mindset if we make a mistake,” Addo said.

Reflecting on the victory over Chad, the former Dortmund assistant coach said, “Everybody knew what this game was about, and I’m very, very happy that we used our chances especially in the first half, because this made the game easier in the second half.”

Now, his focus is on ensuring the team continues to push: “Nobody should take it easy, nobody should start thinking already about the World Cup because we need to take it step by step.”

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