Head coach Otto Addo has challenged his squad to show greater mental strength and resilience after Ghana national football team suffered a heavy 5-1 loss to Austria national football team in an international friendly in Vienna.
The match, played at the Ernst Happel Stadium, exposed weaknesses in Ghana’s defensive organisation and focus, with Austria dominating large spells and capitalising on repeated errors.
Rather than dwell solely on the scoreline, Addo emphasised the psychological aspect of the defeat, noting that his players struggled to maintain composure after conceding multiple goals.
“We have to be more stable, especially psychologically. After the third goal, we needed to keep our heads up and maintain intensity,” he said, stressing that mental lapses were as costly as tactical mistakes.
The coach admitted that Ghana conceded “too easily” in the early stages, with both structural flaws and individual errors contributing to the team’s collapse as the game progressed. He added that the inability to stay focused allowed Austria to extend their lead further.
Despite the setback, Addo indicated that the friendly served a broader purpose, giving him the opportunity to assess new players and test tactical adjustments ahead of crucial international fixtures.
With a high-profile clash against Germany national football team scheduled next, the coach is now calling for a strong response from his players. He believes the team must use the defeat as motivation to rebuild confidence and prove their competitiveness on the international stage.
“It was a difficult evening for us, but we have to look forward. We must put everything into the next match to bring back belief in the team,” Addo said.
The result highlights the work still required as Ghana prepares for upcoming competitions, with the technical team expected to focus on tightening the defence and improving the team’s mental resilience.
