Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic stampede at El-Wak Stadium in Accra, which claimed six lives and left 22 others injured during a military recruitment exercise on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of Ghana’s Kirin Cup clash against Japan at the Toyota Stadium, Addo addressed the incident with solemnity and compassion, emphasizing the team’s solidarity with the victims and their loved ones.

“We had a serious matter in Accra, where six people died,” Addo said. “The Black Stars want to send out our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of those who died, and we pray for those who are still in hospital.”

“It’s a really serious matter that happened during a military recruitment. There was a stampede where people died, and we are really thinking about them.”

The tragedy unfolded as thousands of hopeful applicants gathered at El-Wak Stadium, leading to a crowd crush that overwhelmed emergency services. Five of the injured remain in critical condition.

Despite the somber mood, the Black Stars will fulfill their international fixture against Japan on Friday, November 14, with kick-off set for 10:20 a.m. local time. The team will then travel to Seoul to face South Korea on Tuesday, November 18, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.