Former AshGold head coach, CK Akonnor, has expressed confidence in the newly reinstated Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, to overturn the negative perceptions surrounding the team.
Otto Addo, aged 43, was reappointed last month on a 34-month contract, with the possibility of extending it for an additional 24 months. His appointment follows the departure of Chris Hughton after the Black Stars' disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. The team exited at the group stage, managing only two points and suffering a second consecutive early elimination.
In his first two friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda, the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Super Eagles and then drew 2-2 with the Cranes, prolonging their winless streak.
Despite the team's current struggles, Akonnor, a former head coach of the Black Stars, believes Otto Addo can steer the team to success by achieving convincing results that will alter the negative narrative.
"A coach has been appointed for a considerable tenure, indicating a solid plan in place. It's imperative for us, as a nation, to exercise patience as the coach instills his expertise into the team and strives for excellence," Akonnor stated in an interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM.
"The team is undoubtedly facing challenges presently, so it's crucial to rebuild from scratch, ensuring smooth operations. Hopefully, by the time we vie for World Cup qualification and the next AFCON, we would have elevated our standards," he continued.
"We urgently need to reverse the current tide of negativity surrounding the team, and the only way to do so is through consistent success and commanding victories. Our immediate focus should be on starting strong, winning matches, and showcasing an attractive style of play. I have confidence in Otto Addo's capability to achieve this," Akonnor added.
Otto Addo and his team aim to bounce back when they face Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on June 3 and 10, respectively.