Otto Addo, head coach of the Black Stars, has praised the role played by substitutes in Ghana’s 2-1 victory against Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.

In his news conference following the game, he made this statement. Ghana triumphed in the capital of Mali, thanks to goals from Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah, who completed the comeback after Ghana fell down at halftime.

Ayew came off the bench in the 79th and scored the game-winning goal in the 94th, assisted by fellow substitute Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. Addo was impressed with their effort.

“In the first 20 minutes, we struggled but in the second half we were better. It was even and at the end, our substitutes made the difference. Fatawu did great with his pressing late in the game. I think we did great in the conditions here.”

The Black Stars and Group I leaders, Comoros, who visit Madagascar on Friday, June 7, 2024, are tied on six points apiece. On Monday, June 10, 2024, Ghana will play Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.