The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has tasked the technical handlers of the Black Stars to approach the team’s international friendly matches with a determined winning mindset, insisting that the fixtures should not be treated as mere experimentation opportunities.
The Black Stars are currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in North America this summer. As part of the build-up, Ghana will engage in two high-profile friendly encounters against European opposition. The Black Stars are set to face Austria on Friday, March 27, at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, before traveling to Stuttgart to take on Germany on Monday, March 30.
The Minister in tasking the team, made it clear that he has communicated his expectations directly to Head Coach Otto Addo and his backroom staff, emphasizing that winning must be the primary objective.
“I’ve told the coaches that these two friendlies, we are going with the mindset of winning, not just going to try players,” said the Buem Member of Parliament.
His remarks is a shift in approach as the team intensifies its preparations for the tournament. While friendly matches traditionally offer coaches the chance to assess new talent and test tactical variations, Mr. Adams stressed that results remain vital for building momentum and instilling a competitive culture within the squad.
The Black Stars opened camp on Sunday, and by Monday, 21 players had taken part in the first training session. The squad is expected to be at full strength shortly, with defender Alexander Djiku and forward Kojo Oppong Peprah scheduled to arrive in camp later today to join their teammates.
Ghana’s preparatory roadmap extends beyond the March international window. The team is also scheduled to face Mexico and Wales in May and June, respectively, in what will serve as the final preparatory fixtures ahead of the World Cup. These matches are expected to provide stern tests as the technical team finalizes its selections and systems for the tournament.
With the World Cup approaching, the Black Stars are looking to build a strong foundation through a demanding friendly schedule, and the Minister’s charge reflects the high expectations resting on the team as they aim to make a significant impact on football’s biggest stage.