'I can't remember us losing like this' – Otto Addo reacts to heavy Austria defeat

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has admitted his disappointment following Ghana's humbling 5-1 loss to Austria, conceding he never anticipated such a result as the team's defensive frailties were brutally exposed in Vienna.

Speaking after the heavy defeat at the Ernst Happel Stadium, Addo struggled to recall a similar low point in his time with the national team.

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

Despite the scoreline, Addo pointed to a promising first half where Ghana created several clear-cut chances that could have changed the complexion of the game.

"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 coach did not hold back in his assessment of the second-half display, describing it as well below the standard required for a team preparing for the World Cup.

"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 acknowledged that the result offers harsh but necessary lessons, particularly for the younger members of the squad still adapting to the demands of top-level international football.

"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 now face an even stiffer test against Germany on Monday, where Addo will demand a significant response to restore confidence and momentum ahead of the World Cup.