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Disappointed Ghanaian fans call for Hughton’s head after Cape Verde defeat
A section of the Ghanaian fans at the stadium
What many thought will be an easy three points for Ghana turned into a nightmare after Cape Verde handed the Black Stars a 2-1 shock defeat in their opening Group B match of the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Prior to the game, hundreds of Ghanaians in their paraphernalia trooped to the streets of Abidjan amidst singing and dancing, optimistic of a win for Ghana.
Their confidence was derived from the fact that, the other game in Ghana’s group between Egypt and Mozambique ended in a 2-2 draw and a win for Ghana would send them to the top of the table ahead of the next round of matches.
It was, however not to be as it ended in a defeat with many Ghanaians quietly retiring to bed, hoping that there would be joy in the morning.
They poured out their disappointments with many calling for the head of Coach Chris Hudgton.
Speaking to The Spectator Sports after the game, Kofi Owusu, a Ghanaian fan questioned the substitutions made by the coach in the second-half which according to him, contributed to the defeat.
“Just when the Ghanaian attackers (Semenyo and Paintsil) were properly warming up into the game, the coach shockingly changed them and kept Ashimeru who had already run out of gas,” he stated.
However, former Chief Drummer for the Black Stars, Joseph Langabel rather blamed the players for their abysmal performance which contributed to the painful defeat.
“This kind of football by the Black Stars is clearly unacceptable. They play as if there is nothing at stake and would at the end, break our hearts,” he stated.
Afua Serwaa, who was hoping to hit the streets of Abidjan to celebrate Ghana’s victory said, “I cannot believe what I saw on the pitch because I actually wrote Cape Verde off.”
“Dede Ayew and his team must win the next match to compensate Ghanaians for the heartbreak,” she added.
From Michael D.Abayateye, Abidjan