Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton attributed his decision to bench Joseph Paintsil in the second half of the match against Mozambique to fatigue.
This decision followed Ghana’s late-game collapse, resulting in a 2-2 draw that significantly diminishes their chances at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
With the possibility of a second consecutive group stage elimination looming, Ghana’s point tally (2) and goal difference (-1) currently place them outside the top four third-placed teams vying for qualification to the round of 16.
In contention for the coveted spots are Zambia, Algeria, Namibia, Cameroon, and South Africa, with the final group stage games set to conclude on Wednesday, January 24.
Joseph Paintsil played a crucial role in Ghana’s first goal against Mozambique, winning a penalty kick that Jordan Ayew successfully converted.
His surprising substitution at halftime for Andre Dede Ayew in the second half led to speculation about a potential injury for the KRC Genk winger.
However, Hughton explained his reason for the substitution in his post-game press release, saying Paintsil “looked fatigued.”.
In a related development, Paintsil has responded sharply to Hughton’s assertion, saying, “What fatigue?”.