Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has opened up about his decision to play with five defenders in their recent World Cup qualifier against Mali, stating that the game demanded such a system.
The Black Stars secured a crucial 2-1 victory in Bamako, coming from behind to claim all three points and moving into second place in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite Mali being considered as favorites in the match, Ghana managed to outperform expectations and secure the win at the fierce and unforgiving 26th March Stadium. Following the match, Otto Addo explained his tactical decision to play with a 3-4-3 formation, highlighting the speed and demands of the Malian team as the driving force behind his choice.
“Every game presents different challenges and for this particular match, I believed that this system was the most suitable. However, in the next game, I may opt for a different formation. I can’t say for certain that I will stick with the same tactics. It all depends on what I believe will be the most effective approach,” Addo stated.
The victory against Mali not only showcased Ghana’s resilience and adaptability but also highlighted Otto Addo’s tactical astuteness in guiding the team to a crucial win on the road.
