Ghana head coach Otto Addo has admitted employing a defensive game plan following the Black Stars’ hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The win, secured at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, strengthens Ghana’s hold atop Group I. After a goalless first half, Alexander Djiku broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, giving the hosts a crucial three points.
Speaking after the match, Addo explained that the tactical approach was deliberately cautious.
“This is football; sometimes you have to adjust your tactics. I knew Mali needed a win, so we played a bit defensively, and we also had good headers in our team because we have three tall defenders. In the end, that worked for us,” the 48-year-old said.
“I had my tactics, we had our tactics, and we made the right decisions. What matters most is the three points,” he added.
The victory leaves Ghana just one win away from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Black Stars will next face the Central African Republic away, before concluding their qualifying campaign with a home match against Comoros in October.
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