Mohammed Kudus has admitted to facing difficulties in finding his form at West Ham United following an early exit with the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite overcoming injury to participate in Ghana’s final two matches after missing the opening game, Kudus only managed to score twice in the tournament. Unfortunately, the Chris Hughton-led side was unable to progress beyond the group stage.
Upon his return from the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, it took the 23-year-old five games to contribute to a goal. Kudus attributed this challenge to the nature of his exit from the continental tournament.
“As human beings, we need some time to shake stuff off,” the Ghanaian said, speaking in an interview with The Guardian. “I was injured before Afcon and had to put all my effort into being there to help the team. It was my first Afcon and it didn’t go as planned.
“When you go back straight into playing nobody ever gives you time to change gear. It had an impact because it was a big disappointment.”
Kudus has amassed 11 goals and 4 assists in 34 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions this season. He will be aiming to add to his tally when West Ham faces Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.