2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Otto Addo backs Kurt Okraku’s fiery speech

Black Stars coach Otto Addo has backed Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku following his fiery speech at the team's dinner on Tuesday.

After a disappointing start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Okraku expressed his displeasure and lashed out at the players, cautioning them to improve their performance.

Okraku also threatened to assist Otto Addo in dropping players who do not show desire to wear the Ghana shirt.

The comments were frowned upon by a large section of fans, but Otto Addo, addressing the media on Wednesday evening ahead of the game against Sudan, said Okraku’s comments were necessary.

“I think it’s good. Sometimes you need another person to add their voice to what has already been said," Addo said.

“I’ve spoken to the players and so have the technical staff,” he added.

Ghana will host Sudan in the first leg of the doubleheader later today at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off scheduled at 16:00 GMT.

The return encounter is scheduled for Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

Ghana, who sit 3rd in Group F, are aiming to secure their first win in the qualifying campaign.