2023 AFCON qualifier: Otto Addo defends Ghana team selection against Central Africa Republic
Ghana coach Otto Addo has defended his team selection following their 1-1 draw against Central Africa Republic on match day two of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Sunday.
The 46-year-old opted to make seven changes to the side that thrashed Madagascar 3-0 in Cape Coast last Wednesday.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi replaced Joseph Wollacott in goal, while the likes of Andy Yiadom, Jonathan Mensah, Edmund Addo, Osman Bukari, Joseph Paintsil, and Daniel Kofi Kyereh all started the game at the 11 Novembro stadium in Luanda.
"I think the team was not weak, we had a lot of ball possession, the problem was the goal we conceded because they were not made for that. We didn’t run enough behind their defence.
"We had injuries, others sick, some have weak legs that’s why I decided to make changes," coach Addo said after the game.
The Black Stars took an early in the 17th minute of the game through Mohammed Kudus who curled in a low shot into the bottom corner after some one-two passes on the right side between Osman Bukari and Felix Afena-Gyan released the youngster.
Coach Otto Addo's side could not hold on as Karl Namnganda bagged the equaliser for Central African Republic just before half time.
Despite the stalemate, Ghana are still top of Group E with four points, same points as second-placed Angola but with a better goal difference.
Ghana will take on Angola in a double header tie in their next AFCON qualifiers in September.