Ghana must unite and improve fast after Japan defeat - Otto Addo

Ghana coach Otto Addo says his side must improve their decision-making and intensity after Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup.

Addo, speaking after the match, noted that the second half exposed several areas that require urgent work ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

He explained that Ghana needed to manage possession better in advanced areas while showing greater aggression when competing for loose balls.

"We really need to learn to get our timing right in our passing,” he said. “We need to hold the ball better up front and be stronger on second balls. We also have to raise our intensity."

Addo added that Ghana must refine their positional play, particularly when dealing with pressing situations. “We have to be in better positions in the pressing and outplay the pressing. There are many things we have to work on,” he stated.

With several key players unavailable and many of the starters unfamiliar with one another, Addo urged patience but stressed the need for progress.

"The guys are young and can learn. We have a few more matches before the World Cup. We have to unite more as a team and be much more dangerous up front."