'There are big, big lessons to learn' – Otto Addo says Ghana will improve after Austria drubbing

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has admitted that Ghana's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Austria was a painful reality check but insisted the defeat offers valuable lessons as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking after the heavy loss at the Ernst Happel Stadium, Addo did not shy away from the scale of the disappointment.

"I can't really remember us losing like this. It was really, really disappointing," he said.

However, the coach pointed to a promising first half where Ghana created several clear-cut chances that could have shifted momentum.

"At the end, I think we had a good first half, where we had some really, really good situations where we could have scored. Out of three or four situations, we at least should have scored one."

The second-half collapse was where Addo's frustration peaked, with defensive lapses and a lack of intensity proving costly against a clinical Austrian side.

"Second half was really, really not good enough at all. Everybody is playing for the World Cup, and we need to play with more intensity. I expect much, much more against the ball."

Addo emphasized that the result, while humbling, must serve as a learning moment—particularly for the younger players in the squad.

"At the end, surely I think it was a little bit too high if you compare it to the two halves, but there are big, big lessons to learn, especially for our young players."

Ghana will face Germany on Monday in their second friendly of the international window, where Addo will demand a significant response as the Black Stars look to regroup and restore confidence ahead of the World Cup.