Under-fire Ghana coach Otto Addo has firmly stated he will not step down following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking the first time since 2004 that the team has missed the tournament.

Speaking after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger in their final Group F match, Addo reflected on the challenges his side faced and defended his commitment to the team despite mounting criticism.

“I’m not the person who can resign. If I had done this, I’d never have become a player or even a coach,” he declared.

“If you know where I have come from as a person to arrive at this job you won’t even ask about resignation.

“People shouting and telling me to resign can’t affect me.”

Addo acknowledged the team’s struggles with defending set pieces, a recurring issue that cost them dearly against Niger.

“We started okay but conceded a goal from a set piece. We were aware because the last time we met, they scored from a corner. Surely, we have to defend these set pieces better,” he said. “It seems everything is going against us.”

Despite the defeat, Addo noted some positives, particularly the performances of debutants who, in his view, justified their inclusion.

“There are some positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” he added.

He urged the media and fans to shift focus away from blame and instead support the players, who he said had given their all.

“The media has the power to control the narratives of games, not only the results. You have the power to lift somebody up,” he stated. “I really need you to leave the players alone because they gave us everything.”

In a surprising turn, Addo also used the platform to call for peaceful elections in Ghana, expressing hope for unity amidst the country’s political processes.

“I would like to pray for peaceful elections. We have a peaceful country, so no matter the outcome, we pray for peace,” he said.

While Addo admitted that a draw against Niger would not have changed Ghana’s elimination, he acknowledged the impact it could have had on morale.

“Surely everyone is disappointed, and even if we had played a draw, it wouldn’t have changed anything. Yes, it would have improved the mood of the country and the energy levels of the players,” he admitted.

The defeat capped off a disastrous campaign for Ghana, who finished bottom of their group without a single win, leaving fans and stakeholders questioning the direction of the national team under Addo’s leadership.

Myjoyonline