By Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe,Samuel Obour

Copyright yen

Otto Addo has paid tribute to two football legends as Ghana edges closer to sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World CupThe 50-year-old is on the verge of making history as the first coach to lead the Black Stars to consecutive World Cup tournamentsHis tenure has faced intense scrutiny from fans and pundits, despite this milestone being within reach

Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has taken a moment to celebrate two legends of the game as Ghana inches closer to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The coach, who continues to draw the spotlight for both his results and his choices, turned to social media to honour Anthony Yeboah and Marcel Desailly.

Otto Addo pays tribute to Ghanaian and French legends

In a pair of Instagram Stories, he posted “Thank You” messages to the two icons, accompanied by warm photographs.

Otto’s gesture to Yeboah was particularly touching. The Black Stars boss visited the former Hamburg and Eintracht Frankfurt striker at his home, expressing his appreciation with the words: “Thank you for your support, Anthony Yeboah.”

Yeboah, affectionately nicknamed “Yegoala” for his lethal finishing during his playing days, remains one of Ghana’s most adored forwards.

Marcel Desailly, the 1998 World Cup-winning defender who has strong ties to Ghana, was also acknowledged.

Otto Addo shared a photo of the two smiling while shaking hands, with the caption: “Thanks for your support, Marcel Desailly.”

Otto Addo under fire despite progress in World Cup Qualifiers

While his tributes drew admiration, Otto Addo’s recent work with the Black Stars has been far from smooth sailing.

Ghana’s qualifying campaign hit turbulence during September’s matches, sparking debate about the team’s direction.

A match against Chad, ranked 175th in the world, left supporters frustrated.

Jordan Ayew gave Ghana an early lead in the 17th minute, but the Stars wasted chance after chance.

Watch Jordan Ayew’s goal:

Their complacency was punished when Celestin Ecua struck late with a deflected effort to force a 1-1 draw, according to the BBC.

The setback heaped pressure on Otto Addo, especially with Mali’s resurgence under Tom Saintfiet, the very coach whom Ghana had overlooked when Ghana appointed him.

Against Mali in Accra, the Stars laboured again. An untidy second-half goal from Alexander Djiku delivered a narrow win, but the overall performance left fans restless, per Ghanasoccernet.

Watch Djiku’s goal against Mali:

Supporters endured a tense finish as Mali pressed for an equaliser, while even Sports Minister Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams confessed his nerves.

He admitted pacing the stands several times and did not hold back in criticising Otto Addo’s stewardship. Many interpreted his remarks as an ominous sign for the coach’s future.

Despite the scrutiny, Otto Addo remains at the helm and now faces a defining test.

In October, Ghana will travel to face the Central African Republic before returning home to host Comoros in their final two qualification games.

Victories in both matches will not only secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup but may also quieten the doubters circling the Black Stars’ technical bench.

Mali coach reacts to replacing Otto Addo

Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted comments from Mali coach Tom Saintfiet, who addressed the idea of one day managing Ghana’s national team with calm assurance.

Speaking to the press in Accra after the match, Multimedia Ghana’s Kobby Stone confidently told him he would eventually take charge of the Black Stars.

Source: YEN.com.gh