Let’s give Otto Addo time to rebuild Black Stars – Asamoah Gyan

Asamoah Gyan, a revered figure in Ghanaian football, has voiced his firm belief in Otto Addo’s capacity to steer the Black Stars towards triumph in his second spell as head coach, provided he is granted the necessary time and resources to rebuild the squad.

In Otto Addo’s initial tenure as head coach, he masterminded the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2022 World Cup, a significant achievement attained by triumphing over Nigeria in the final qualifying stage. However, despite this feat, Ghana faltered in the tournament’s group stages, leading to Addo’s departure from the national team as he was contracted to Borussia Dortmund at the time.

Nonetheless, recognizing Addo’s potential, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) extended another opportunity for him to lead the Black Stars on a long-term basis following their underwhelming performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

However, Addo’s return has encountered initial hurdles. The Black Stars suffered defeats to Nigeria and managed only a draw against Uganda in recent international friendlies. Nevertheless, Asamoah Gyan remains optimistic about Addo’s ability to reverse their fortunes and guide the team to success in this new era.

Gyan highlighted the disparities between the current squad and the one Addo managed in 2022. He noted that while Addo may be familiar with some players, there are also new faces and dynamics to consider. Gyan stressed the importance of patience and support as Addo endeavors to reconstruct the team and implement his vision.

“It’s a different atmosphere and different players. Although he has worked with some of the players, I think it’s still a process,” Gyan shared during an interview with Asempa FM. “He also came with a new staff, so it’s a different era. Let’s see what he also has for us. We will support him through his rebuilding to see where he can take us. Ghanaians will be the ones to judge what he has done, so I think we should give him time to rebuild his team,” he added.

Looking forward, Otto Addo faces a challenging task as Ghana prepares to confront Mali in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Bamako. Despite the absence of victories since his return, there have been glimpses of promise in the Black Stars’ overall performance under Addo’s tutelage. Time will reveal whether Addo’s reappointment will prove beneficial for the team’s long-term success.

In summary, Asamoah Gyan’s steadfast confidence in Otto Addo’s abilities echoes the sentiments of many Ghanaian football enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate the resurgence of the Black Stars under his guidance. With patience, perseverance, and strategic planning, Addo and his team have the potential to overcome obstacles and reclaim their status as a dominant force in African football.