Former Board Chairman and Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority, Hon. Seth Panwum Boyoyo, has called on the Black Stars to tap into their resilience and intuition in their critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali, scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking to Akoma FM, Panwum emphasized that the players must go beyond relying solely on the strategies of head coach Otto Addo to secure victory.
“The players, though immensely talented, must go beyond simply relying on the instructions of the technical bench,” Panwum stated. “When a coach’s tactics are failing, the players must dig deep, apply their own intuition, and play for Ghana.” His comments come after Ghana’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Chad on September 4, where a late equalizer cost them two vital points in Group I of the African qualifiers.
Panwum was critical of Addo’s leadership, remarking, “The less said about him, the better,” and criticized the coach’s uninspiring touchline demeanor, which he believes fails to motivate players and fans. Despite his concerns, Panwum remains optimistic about the team’s potential, urging the players to embody the Black Stars’ storied spirit of resilience.
Ghana, currently leading Group I with 16 points, faces a confident Mali side, third with 12 points, fresh off a 3-0 win over Comoros. A victory is crucial to maintain their lead and bolster their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Panwum’s call to action underscores the need for the players to take responsibility on the pitch and deliver for the nation in this high-stakes encounter.
