The Black Stars’ Assistant Coach, Desmond Offei, has reaffirmed the team’s commitment to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the hunger and determination of Head Coach Otto Addo to lead Ghana back to the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with ghanaorg.com, Offei stressed that while the team values the unwavering support of Ghanaians, the ultimate responsibility lies with the players and technical staff to deliver results.
According to Offei, Otto Addo is laser-focused on ensuring the team achieves its goal. “We’ve been working really hard behind the scenes, analyzing what went wrong and what needs to be improved. The head coach is extremely hungry to achieve the absolute best, which is to qualify for the World Cup,” he stated.
Recognizing that success on the field translates to regaining the trust of the fans, Offei admitted that winning back public confidence is just as important as securing victories. “We need the fans’ support, but at the same time, it’s up to us to give them a reason to believe in us again. It’s all about performance and results,” he added.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco was a bitter pill to swallow, but Offei believes it has provided valuable lessons.
“It was painful not to make it to AFCON, but we’ve learned a lot from our mistakes—both on and off the pitch. That experience has fueled our determination to rectify our errors and come back stronger,” he emphasized.
The Black Stars’ inability to qualify for AFCON drew widespread criticism, but Offei insisted the setback has only strengthened their resolve. “It’s through hard work and unity that we’ll correct our mistakes, and that’s exactly what we’re focused on.”
As Ghana prepares to face Chad on March 21 in Accra and Madagascar on March 24 in Morocco, Offei underscored the importance of these fixtures.
“We have the quality in our squad to ensure we perform at our best. Chad will come in strong—it’s going to be like a final for them. But for us, it’s crucial to secure a positive result and make Ghanaians proud,” he noted.
With Chad and Madagascar both appointing new coaches, Offei acknowledged the unpredictability of their tactical approaches. However, he expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to adapt and rise to the occasion.
“We may not know their exact strategies, but we are familiar with their players. Ultimately, our focus is on getting our team ready to fight and deliver when it matters most,” he concluded.
With renewed determination and a strong emphasis on learning from past failures, the Black Stars are looking to reignite their World Cup dreams and restore their place among Africa’s elite footballing nations.
