Ghana coach Otto Addo lauded the team’s resilient showing in the second half, particularly while playing with 10 men after the Black Stars’ 2-1 defeat against Nigeria in an international friendly on Friday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference in Marrakesh, Addo commended the Black Stars’ efforts but lamented the manner of the concession in the first half.
Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s dominance in the early stages, Addo praised Ghana’s vastly improved performance in the latter phase of the game.
Even after losing defender Jerome Opoku to a questionable red card in the 56th minute, Ghana continued to control the tempo, maintain possession, and create scoring opportunities inside Nigeria’s penalty area.
Reflecting on the contest, Addo noted, “I don’t like to look too much about the positives because we lost. But I think we were a bit unlucky the way we conceded the first goal as the ball hit the hand, but like I said we were unlucky.”
“First half, they had the better chances, but in the second half, we really, really did well. If you want to come to the positive signs, the things we did in the second half with 10 men was good.”
“We controlled them; we were a little bit unlucky with the finishing. I think what killed us was their second goal because we were close to actually equalizing, but in all, a draw would have been deserved, but like I said we lost and we have to improve and move on.”
Attention turns towards Ghana’s upcoming clash with Uganda on Tuesday, taking place once again in Marrakesh.
