Our head coach, Otto Addo, spoke to ghanafa.org in Luanda on Thursday, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola. Seeking his first win in the qualifiers, Coach Addo shared his thoughts on the team’s atmosphere and dynamics in camp, the integration and adaptation of the new players and the challenges of facing a side that has already secured their spot in the next tournament in Morocco.
His thoughts have been captured below:
On the atmosphere going into the game
Yeah, the boys look sharp and in really good condition. (0:29) It’s a good atmosphere. We know about the importance of this match. For me, the boys look ready and sharp and like I said, it’s been a good atmosphere.
On new players and how he expects them to react
Yea, actually we had a good, positive competition in the training matches. From what I saw, they really picked up the idea of how we play. Those are the new players. I’m looking forward to seeing them all. Especially the new players, they can prove themselves. It’s a big challenge because we have a lot of injuries. The others, I think they’re hopefully ready to guide them through the game. It’s going to be very tough, very difficult. We’re looking forward to that game and I know that we will do it.
On meeting a side that have already qualified for the AFCON
Yeah, these are difficult games. You can’t take it for granted that they will play, let’s say, 50 per cent or so. I know that they (Angola) will be 100 per cent ready. It’s going to be difficult, it’s an away game. It’s going to be very, very tight, I know. But I think mentally the boys are ready. I’m looking forward to that game. It’s time for our first victory in this competition. I think it’s a great opportunity to keep the chance alive.