Former Ghana coach Otto Addo, before his sack, expressed relief that defender Jonas Adjetey’s costly penalty concessions occurred during friendly matches rather than at the World Cup, describing the incidents as valuable learning experiences.

Adjetey was involved in two penalty situations during Ghana’s March friendlies—conceding a spot kick in the 5-1 loss to Austria national football team and another in the 2-1 defeat to the Germany national football team. While the mistakes proved costly, Addo chose to focus on the bigger picture.

“I’m happy Jonas Adjetey’s penalty incidents happened in friendly matches, and hopefully it won’t happen at the World Cup,” Addo said.

The coach acknowledged that such errors are part of a young defender’s development, especially as Ghana continues to test different defensive combinations ahead of the tournament.

“We have to try a lot of things, especially in defence, because Salisu is going out, and for the World Cup I have to take decisions. I have to try a lot of defenders to see what is best,” he explained.

Addo has been compelled to explore defensive options due to the absence of key players such as Mohammed Salisu, as well as injuries to right-backs Alidu Seidu and Tariq Lamptey. Adjetey, who plays his club football in Germany, has been given opportunities to prove himself in the squad.

The coach emphasised that although the mistakes were disappointing, they serve an important purpose in the team’s preparation.

“Maybe we will lose or whatever, but we have to do it so that we prepare ourselves for the World Cup and find the best solution.”

Ghana will continue their World Cup preparations with friendly matches against Mexico national football team and Wales national football team in May, before opening their campaign against Panama national football team on June 17 in Toronto. For Addo, the hope is that lessons learned in March will pay off when the tournament begins.

Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Sports Minister Kofi Adams below: