Ghana Football Association (GFA) convened a crucial meeting with coach Chris Hughton after the disappointing performance of the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The team’s 2-1 loss to Cape Verde led to criticism of Hughton’s lineup choices and tactics.
Following the defeat, there were reports of a fan engaging in a heated exchange with Hughton. The GFA, however, played down the incident, mentioning that it was internally addressed and no arrests were made.
Despite the challenges, the association met with the embattled coach and conveyed its support, as stated by Henry Asante-Twum, the spokesperson for the GFA.
“We have had a meeting with the coach and gave him 100% assurance that we are solidly behind him,” Asante-Twum told BBC Sport.
“We think it is possible for the team to win the two remaining matches to make it to the next round.”
As the Black Stars gear up to face Egypt in their upcoming match, coach Chris Hughton is under significant pressure to secure a victory and dispel doubts surrounding his leadership.
Hughton’s performance leading up to the AFCON has been lackluster, with only one win against Madagascar and defeats to Comoros, Mexico, and the United States in five games. A 0-0 draw against Namibia just before the tournament did little to boost confidence in the team’s readiness.
With criticism mounting, Hughton must now inspire his team and formulate a winning strategy against Egypt. Both teams are seeking redemption after unexpected setbacks, making the upcoming match a crucial and tense encounter for their respective campaigns.