Ghana has parted ways with head coach Chris Hughton following the national team’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision came after Ghana’s group-stage elimination, securing only two points in Group B with draws against Egypt and Mozambique and a loss to Cape Verde.
The Ghana Football Association released a statement stating, “Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the senior national team with immediate effect.” Additionally, the executive council decided to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars, with further details on the team’s future direction to be provided in the coming days.
Ghana’s chance to progress to the last 16 evaporated with a 2-2 draw against Mozambique, compounded by Cameroon’s victory over Gambia. Hughton, the former Newcastle United and Brighton manager, took charge in February 2023, leading Ghana through AFCON qualification but facing challenges in World Cup 2026 qualifying.
After the Mozambique match, Hughton expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s an angry place at the moment.” Criticizing the team’s inability to secure victories and expressing concern over defensive lapses, he acknowledged the difficult situation they found themselves in.
Hughton, who had been under scrutiny since Ghana’s loss to the Comoros Islands in a World Cup qualifier, faced further setbacks at AFCON, including an opening-game loss to Cape Verde. The decision to relieve him of coaching duties adds another coaching casualty to the AFCON, following Gambia’s Tom Saintfiet, who resigned earlier on Tuesday.
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