The Black Stars of Ghana beat Nigeria on the away goal rule after a 1-1 aggregate scoreline in their FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff to book their spot in Qatar.
Fans invading the pitch after the end of the game to attack the Super Eagles Players, the Black Stars players and Ghanaian supporters following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup meant there was no post-match press conference as a way of managing the situation.
However, JoySports’ George Addo Junior exclusively spoke to the head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, and this is every word he said.
On his assessment of the game:
“I am really delighted and exhausted because it was a tough match. We fought our way through. We had big problems, especially in the first half, then we did some changes and the players adapted very well.”
On the performance of Nigeria:
“In all the Nigerians were better, I feel a bit pity for them but this is football sometimes and we fought our way through. The referee was against us somehow.”
On Ghana’s defensive display:
“They [Nigeria] had some good chances but our goalkeeper [Joojo Wollacott] was there when we needed him. The defending was outstanding and we had a little bit of luck also because we concede chances.”
On the work involved for the qualification:
“Thank you to Kurt Okraku for giving me this opportunity. Also to the backroom, who are always supporting me. Milovan Rajevac and C.K Akonnor all belong to this [qualifying to the WC] We did this together and for the players who are not here.”
On the support received in Kumasi:
“Thank you very much to the Kumasi fans. Kumasi I love you.”
Credit: Joy Online
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