Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has emphasized the importance of set-piece preparation in Ghana’s recent victories over Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana secured back-to-back dominant wins, with a significant number of goals coming from well-executed set plays. In the emphatic 5-0 win over Chad, both Inaki Williams and Mohammed Salisu found the net from dead-ball situations. The trend continued in the 3-0 victory against Madagascar, where Thomas Partey scored twice from Jordan Ayew’s deliveries—one from a free kick and the other from a corner. These goals brought Ghana’s total from set pieces during the international break to four.
After the win over Madagascar, Addo explained that the success was the result of careful analysis and dedicated training sessions.
“I think we analyzed well. For example, against Sudan, we had about 16 set pieces and were also a bit unlucky. Alexander Djiku hit the post, and we created a lot of chances,” Addo said in a press conference.
The Black Stars boss also praised his technical team, particularly new assistant coach Desmond Ofei and chief video analyst Gregory De Grauwe, for their efforts in improving the team’s set-piece efficiency.
“In football, if you work hard and are patient, the results will come. I have to also pay big respect to assistant coach Desmond Ofei and chief video analyst Gregory De Grauwe, who are working hard and trying to find new ideas. It worked well as we won 3-0,” he added.
Ghana currently sit at the top of Group I with 15 points from six matches, strengthening their push for a fifth World Cup appearance. The Black Stars will resume their qualification campaign in September when they face Chad once again.
