Otto Addo says rains helped Black Stars to beat Central African Republic

Ghana coach Otto Addo has said the rains helped the Black Stars to “play better and move the ball faster” against the Central African Republic (CAR).

The Black Stars took their destiny into their hands when they beat both Mali and CAR in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on June 6 and June 10, respectively.

The game against the Wild Beats had a dramatic ending at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, having finished 4-3 in favour of Ghana.

Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta both scored hat-tricks for their respective sides, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was also on the score sheet.

Speaking in the aftermath of the game, Addo said the rains at the Baba Yara Stadium helped the Black Stars to play better against CAR.

“The rain helped us play better and move the ball faster. Thank you to God for letting it rain,” Addo said, as quoted by 3Sports.

“The support from the start was massive. Even though we were down, they stayed by our side. Thank you very much, Kumasi, for coming out again.”

Otto Addo
Otto Addo

Meanwhile, Addo also re-emphasised the importance of Jordan Ayew to the Black Stars after he netted a sensational hat-trick against CAR.

“I know that strikers are always judged by goals but he is a striker who can work defensively, and tactically very intelligent,” he said.

“That’s why sometimes you can use him as a winger because he closes everything down, he works hard and people don’t see this often.”

Ayew has now scored 28 goals for Ghana, making him the country’s sixth all-time top scorer behind Abdul Razak, Tony Yeboah, Abedi Ayew Pele, Kwasi Owusu, Edward Acquah and Asamoah Gyan.

Pulse