Otto Addo cites set-piece defending as key weakness in Black Stars’ AFCON qualifying woes

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has identified poor set-piece defending as a major factor behind the Black Stars’ dismal AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign, which culminated in a 2-1 defeat to Niger on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Reflecting on the loss, Addo expressed frustration over the team’s recurring vulnerability during set plays, an issue he said had been highlighted but remained unresolved.

“We started okay but conceded a goal from a set piece. We were aware because the last time we met, they scored from a corner.

Surely, we have to defend these set pieces better,” Addo remarked. “It seems everything is going against us.”

The coach also sought to draw positives from the game, commending some debutants for their performances, which he believes bode well for the team’s future.

“There are some positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” he noted.

Ghana's campaign was a nightmare, finishing bottom of Group F with three points and no wins in six matches. Angola led the group with 14 points, followed by Sudan with eight, and Niger with seven.

The failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has deepened scrutiny of the team and Addo’s leadership, with both players and coaching staff facing growing criticism from fans and stakeholders alike.