Ghana coach Otto Addo has offered a frank assessment of defender Jonas Adjetey's costly handball incidents during the March friendlies, suggesting the young centre-back must adjust his technique to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Adjetey was penalised for handball in both matches—first in the 5-1 loss to Austria, and again in the 2-1 defeat to Germany—conceding penalties on each occasion. While the errors proved expensive, Addo chose to frame them as learning opportunities rather than career-defining moments.
"It's difficult, a little bit unlucky for him. He needs to maybe now learn to run without his arms, to move without his arms. This is the only solution, and I hope that it will never happen again," Addo said.
The coach expressed relief that the incidents occurred in friendly matches rather than on a bigger stage.
"I'm happy that it happened in the friendly matches, and hopefully it won't happen in the World Cup."
Adjetey, who plays his club football in Germany, has been given opportunities in the Black Stars setup as Addo searches for defensive solutions ahead of the tournament. With Mohammed Salisu unavailable and right-back options limited due to injuries, the young defender has been thrust into a key role.
Addo emphasised that such mistakes are part of the learning process for young players, particularly as they adjust to the demands of top-level international football.
Ghana will continue their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Mexico and Wales in May before opening their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.
For Adjetey, the challenge now is to refine his technique and ensure the lessons from March are applied when it matters most.
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