• Monday, December 23, 2024
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Ghana sack coach Chris Hughton over AFCON group stage exit

Chris-Hughton

Ghana sack coach Chris Hughton over AFCON group stage exit

Ghana Football Association (GFA) have announced the sacking of Black Stars coach Chris Hughton over group stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The Black Stars of Ghana had a disappointing 2023 AFCON campaign after failing to win any of their three games in the group stages.

The Black Stars finished third in Group B with two points, after playing 2-2 with both Egypt and Mozambique and lost to Cape Verde 2-1 2-1 in their opening match.

Ghana had distant hopes of progressing as one of the four best-ranked third-placed sides but were eliminated on Tuesday when results went against them.

Hughton, 65-year-old was appointed head coach of Ghana Black Stars in February 2023, having previously been Ghana’s technical advisor for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and finals. The Black Stars, four times AFCON winners, failed to progress in Group B containing Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique.

Ghana FA announced the former Newcastle, Birmingham, Norwich, Brighton and Nottingham Forest boss’ departure on Tuesday night.

“Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect,” a Ghana Football Association (GFA) statement reads.

“The executive council has also taken a decision to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars.

“The GFA will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars.”

Ghana exited the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon at the group stage and suffered the same fate in Ivory Coast.

The Black Stars also endured a mixed start to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers under Hughton, beating Madagascar with a stoppage-time goal before losing 1-0 in Comoros.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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