Mali game demanded we play five defenders – Ghana coach Otto Addo

Ghana's head coach, Otto Addo, explained that he opted for a five-defender formation against Mali due to the specific requirements of the match during their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The Black Stars secured a crucial 2-1 victory in Bamako, propelling them to second place in Group I.

Despite Mali being the favourites, Ghana rose to the occasion at the challenging 26th March Stadium.

Addo mentioned that the pace of the Malian team influenced his decision to use a 3-4-3 setup, emphasizing the importance of adapting tactics to suit each opponent.

He hinted at potential changes for future matches, acknowledging the need for flexibility in his approach.