ENGLAND’S World Cup opponents Ghana have sacked manager Otto Addo just 10 weeks before the tournament.
Addo, 50, was relieved of his duties after last night’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.
The former full-back succeeded Chris Hughton as Black Stars boss in 2024, having previously stepped down after the 2022 World Cup.
Ghana subsequently failed to qualify for Afcon following a dismal qualifying campaign, but did then book their place at this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Barely four hours after last night’s friendly defeat, a statement read: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has parted ways with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo effective immediately.
“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.
“The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”
Addo won eight of his 22 matches at the helm during his second stint in charge, drawing five and losing nine.
Prior to last night’s narrow defeat in Germany, the Black Stars were thrashed 5-1 by Austria in Vienna on Friday night.
Ghana lost Addo’s final four matches in charge, having also been beaten by South Korea and Japan during the November international window.
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The Black Stars’ new boss will begin their tenure with pre-World Cup friendlies against Mexico and Wales on May 22 and June 2.
They will then kick off their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17.
A June 23 showdown with England will follow in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before they conclude their Group L campaign against Croatia four days later in Philadelphia.
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz gave Germany the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time in last night’s friendly.
Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu levelled for Ghana on 70 minutes just moments after being introduced by Addo.
But former Brighton striker Deniz Undav struck an 88th minute winner for the hosts.
Addo was called into a meeting with Ghana FA bosses just hours after the match and was informed of the decision to part ways.
The Black Stars boss had appeared in his post-match press conference following the defeat in Stuttgart.
He said: “We have improved a lot if we compare this game to the game against Austria.
“We learned a lot and for us it’s always good to get these kinds of experiences.
“Even though we lost, we are taking everything with us. For us, it was very, very good to face this kind of quality.”
Former winger Addo played 15 times for Ghana during his playing career and represented them at the 2006 World Cup.
Prior to returning as Black Stars boss full time, Addo had been working as a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund.
He has also held similar roles with Hamburg and Borussia Monchengladbach.
