Ghana coach Chris Hughton narrowly avoided a physical attack by a disgruntled supporter who blamed him for the team’s stunning 2-1 loss to Cape Verde at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday. The fan was arrested by the police after he tried to hit Hughton at the team hotel, according to Ghanaian officials.
Hughton, who took charge of the Black Stars in March last year, was also verbally abused by a fan, who told him to improve or quit his job. The incident happened shortly after Ghana returned from the match, where they conceded a stoppage-time goal to the tournament debutants.
The defeat was a huge blow for Ghana, who were among the favorites to win the continental trophy. It was also their second consecutive loss to a minnow after they were beaten by Comoros in the World Cup qualifiers in November.
Hughton, a former Ireland international whose father was from Ghana, expressed his disappointment at the result and the performance of his team, who failed to live up to their potential despite having many players based in Europe.
“We came into the game with a game plan. We changed the way of playing, and the system a bit so that we could start on the front foot. We thought the team that was put out was certainly more offensive. This was our intention,” he said at a press conference.
“I think it rocked us the goal that we conceded but I thought we got back into the game. At that stage, it looked like we could go on and win it. We are hugely, hugely disappointed with our result.”
Hughton also acknowledged the high expectations of the Ghanaian fans, who have not seen their team lift the Africa Cup of Nations since 1982. “I know, and this group of players also know, how the Ghanaian people see this game, see this tournament, and our expectations going into this one,” he said.
Ghana’s poor start to the tournament has put them in a difficult position in Group B, where they face a must-win game against Algeria on Thursday. Algeria, who are the defending champions, also lost their opening match to Burkina Faso, making the group wide open.
Ghana is not the only team to suffer a shock defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations, which has seen several upsets in the first round of matches. Hosts Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, and Cameroon have also dropped points against lower-ranked opponents, highlighting the unpredictability and competitiveness of African football.
The tournament, which is being held in January for the last time before it moves to June and July, has also been marred by logistical problems, such as delayed flights, poor pitches, and COVID-19 outbreaks. However, it has also showcased the talent and passion of the continent’s players and fans, who hope to see their teams shine on the global stage.
Hughton, who has won four out of 11 games as Ghana’s coach, will be hoping to turn things around and lead his team to the knockout stage, where anything can happen. He will also be hoping to avoid any further confrontations with angry fans, who may need to show more patience and support for their team.
Source: Reuters
