Ghana defender Jerome Opoku
Ghana defender Jerome Opoku has credited Otto Addo’s tactical approach for making his first competitive start for the Black Stars a smooth transition.
The 26-year-old center-back was introduced into Ghana’s starting lineup against Madagascar in a 3-5-2 formation, a shift from the 4-1-4-1 setup used in the previous game. Despite having only one training session to adjust, Opoku delivered a solid performance.
“I would say I was a little surprised to start against Madagascar, but as I said, I had always worked and looked forward to my time here,” he told Flashscore.
Opoku, who plays in a similar system at Başakşehir, explained how his club experience helped him adapt.
“It was easy for me because, in my club, we’ve played with a three-back a couple of times this season, so it was quite easy to settle in,” he said.
“The coaches of Ghana really worked through it and came up with a clear plan for everyone to adopt, so that also helped really well.”
His versatility, having previously played as a left-back during his time at Fulham’s academy, has made him a valuable asset for Ghana’s defense.
Opoku helped Ghana secure a 3-0 win over Madagascar after the Black Stars thrashed Chad 5-0. The team is now three points clear at the top in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
