Head Coach of The Black Stars of Ghana, Otto Addo, has expressed his displeasure over the level of officiating in Thursday’s five-goal thriller between Ghana and Portugal.
Speaking after the game, the German-based gaffer expressed his disappointment with the match official’s officiating of the game and also questioned why VAR wasn’t in play for the controversial penalty awarded to Portugal for their opener.
“Surely we are very disappointed especially when I see the penalty situation I think after that point we really had a good match. Ball possession was on Portugal we knew that they were good and we didn’t play our counters that well. But I think we defended well and allowed less chances and I was hoping that in the second half when they push more we will have more spaces but when they scored the goal the game changed. I think it is a really wrong decision, we are playing the ball and surely there is contact afterwards but I don’t know why VAR did not come up, there is no explanation for me. And then it is difficult against a world class team when they are leading it is very very difficult to play against them but we were brave and tried as much, we scored two goals and always came back “. Otto Addo said.
Otto Addo further speaking revealed that despite his side’s defeat to Portugal, he’s very hopeful of the team’s chances of making it out of the group.
Nevertheless, he’s not downplaying the strengths of the South Korean and Uruguayan teams.
“Surely we have a chance especially because they (South Korea and Uruguay) played a draw. If we win against South Korea and maybe Portugal hopefully win against Uruguay, then we will be second. So the chance is still big and surely it will be very very tough to beat South Korea because they are good but now we have to win, the pressure is on us and they too”. Otto Addo added
Otto Addo’s Black Stars will take on the Taegeuk Warriors of South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday, November 28, 2022, 1:00 pm GMT at the Education City Stadium.
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Story by: Joshua Afari | univers.ug.edu.gh
