Midfielder Mohammed Kudus faced the media on Sunday ahead of our 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi The West Ham United man, who is one of the key players in Ghana’s squad, is positive about our chances against the Central Africans.
Kudus touched on being under pressure to qualify for yet another FIFA World Cup, playing in his favorite number 10 position, the strength of the squad, and many more.
Read on for the full transcript:
On playing under pressure
Obviously, from our point of view, we have personal goals and things we want to do so intrinsically. We have pressure every time from the expectations from ourselves. Also we are representing the whole team and the whole of Ghana and so there is pressure from every angle but our motivation and our aim to qualify for the World Cup, so that is the motivation that gets us going in every pressure we find ourselves.
On perception that top players in Europe struggle to play in Africa
Personally, in every game, whether in Ghana or Europe, my motivation and my approach are the same, and that is to help the team win. Yes, I am one of the names they look out for in most of the games, but everyone is quite important in the squad. Whether on the bench or whatsoever, like we saw against Mali, it’s the guys on the bench that came to win the game, so everyone deserves the same respect and motivation just like us. We are a team, it’s the points that matters, whether I score or anyone else does, or however I perform, the most important thing is that the team wins and we keep improving as players. So personally, I try to do my best in every place I find myself. We started playing from here in Ghana, and so there is no excuse as in weather, the pitch, and all of that. There are things that come into play but the opponents face the same problems as well so there is no excuse for that but in every game I just try to do my best for the country and the team to get the three points.
On team having belief after comeback win against Mali
That belief has always been there even though it has not been showing in the past few games. Like I said, we always want to go to the World Cup, and that is the ultimate goal, so whatever we do to arrive there, that is what we are trying to do. Our Coach has his philosophy and ways of playing but certain games we have to win the hard way but the most important thing is the three points because every game matters here and so that is our ultimate goal.
On playing in different positions and performances
I am a player with the versatility to play in different positions, so definitely, I see that as a positive thing for the coach. Whichever position I find myself, I will do my best for the team. But my best position is the attacking midfield, which is the position the Coach is using me here, so there is no excuse not to perform. I will do my best in every game.
FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Every word Kudus Mohammed said ahead of C.A.R clash today
