Otto Addo labels Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar as a final

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has emphasised the significance of Ghana’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, describing it as a decisive showdown akin to a final.

Ghana will face Madagascar on Monday at the Al Hoceima Stadium in Morocco.

Following their emphatic 5-0 victory over Chad last Friday, Addo anticipates a much tougher test and insists his team must approach the match with maximum focus.

The Black Stars currently lead Group I with 12 points, while Madagascar sit close behind with 10 points.

“I think the most important thing is that I know everybody’s excited, everybody was happy about our last win, but we still have a long way to go and we need everyone to be on their toes,” coach Otto Addo said.

“We don’t need 98 per cent, we don’t need 99 per cent, we need 100 per cent. This is like a small final, and if we win this game, then we are really going to qualify, but it’s going to be very, very tough.”

The Black Stars held their official training session at Grande Stade Al Hoceima on Sunday as they prepared for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

Otto Addo’s squad looked sharp and lively during the session, held under the lights, following their arrival in Morocco on Saturday.

All 23 players are in good condition as they prepare for the crucial Group I match, set to take place on Monday.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.