Pullman Abidjan hotel, where the Black Stars are staying during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has implemented heightened security measures after a fan confronted coach Chris Hughton following Ghana’s disappointing performance against Cape Verde.
The team’s lacklustre 2-1 defeat in the opening match has put them at risk of early elimination from the tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite efforts by the Ghana Football Association to downplay the incident, the hotel management has taken serious steps to prevent any future confrontations.
Situated just a nine-minute drive from the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny, where the team will play their next match against Egypt, the hotel is keen on ensuring a secure environment for the players and coaching staff.
Under significant pressure to produce positive results, Coach Hughton faces a challenging decision regarding the inclusion of attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus in the starting lineup. Kudus missed the opening game due to a hamstring injury but has rejoined the squad for training.
Ghana FA spokesperson Asante Twum reported that Kudus participated in the full team training on Monday and is currently undergoing an assessment by the medical team. If everything goes well, he is expected to be fit for the crucial match against Egypt.
Kudus’ return is seen as a boost for the Black Stars, who struggled offensively in the first game without their key forward. Asante Twum expressed confidence that Kudus will be ready for the match by Wednesday or Thursday.
However, Coach Hughton must carefully weigh the advantages of including Kudus in the starting lineup against the risk of exacerbating his injury. With the team in a must-win situation against Egypt, Hughton is under pressure to field his strongest side, but he must also prioritise Kudus’ full recovery to avoid jeopardising his health and the team’s overall prospects. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires thoughtful consideration.