The long wait is just about over for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with five African national teams preparing to represent the continent in Qatar. Pan-Africa Football is previewing each African national team before the group stage takes place to provide a detailed guide for viewers and supporters of African football to refer to throughout the competition. Next up in our series is a team that will be looking to surprise in Group H, the Black Stars of Ghana:
Ghana
Profile
Nickname: Black Stars
FIFA Ranking: 61
Previous appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014
Best Finish: Quarterfinals (2010)
Schedule
Group H
November 24: Ghana vs. Portugal
November 28: Ghana vs. South Korea
December 2: Ghana vs. Uruguay
Manager
Otto Addo
Born in Germany to Ghanaian parents, Addo played in the Bundesliga and represented the Black Stars during his career before starting his coaching career as a youth and assistant with German clubs. The 46-year-old also spent time as a scout for the Ghana national team before becoming an assistant at one of the clubs he played at, Borussia Dortmund. Addo’s time at Dortmund as a player and assistant coach has heavily influenced his tactical approach since becoming an assistant and then interim head coach with Ghana in February, a role that was made permanent after leading the Black Stars to a qualifying playoff round victory over rivals Nigeria.
Addo is unafraid to adjust his tactics to the situation as seen across the two legs against Nigeria but should favor an approach that utilizes one dedicated striker and two forwards on the wing, most likely a 4-2-3-1 that changes to a 4-4-1-1 when defending. Against weaker teams Ghana have been able to dominate the ball but it appears that Addo is encouraging a more direct approach against more challenging opponents and that should be the case in Qatar. At their best the Black Stars will move the ball quickly to central playmakers Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus, who can put primary goal threats Iñaki Williams and André Ayew in dangerous positions with their accurate passing.