Coach Addo Hails Black Stars Resilience After World Cup Qualification

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Ghanaian interim coach Otto Addo believes the determination of the Black Stars players to qualify for the World Cup was key in sealing the spot ahead of Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Black Stars pipped Nigeria to the ticket for the tournament in Qatar on away goal rule following a 1-1 draw at the fully packed Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja on Tuesday.

Thomas Partey had given Ghana an 11th minute lead in Abuja before William Troost Ekong levelled for the Super Eagles in the 22nd minute.

But the Ghanaian put up a resolute second half performance by soaking in the pressure from Nigeria and saw off the result after 90 minutes.

Ghana coach Addo, who is a former international and a part of the Black Stars 2006 World Cup team, hailed his players for their determination to clinch the slot.

“I’m really delighted, exhausted, it was a tough match and we fought our way through,” Otto Addo said in a post match interview.

“We had big big problems especially in the first half, and through some changes, the players gave their tactics very well and still they [the Nigerians] had some good chances."

The qualification means Ghana will be going to their fourth ever World Cup.