The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has relieved Chris Hughton of his coaching duties after the Black Stars failed to progress past the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. This decision was made public following Ghana’s confirmation of elimination from the tournament.
With immediate effect, the GFA has not only dismissed Hughton but also dissolved the technical team of the national team. The pivotal moment that cemented Ghana’s elimination came after Cameroon secured a 3-2 victory against Gambia, extinguishing any hopes of the Black Stars advancing to the round of 16.
Cameroon’s triumph sealed Ghana’s fate, as they were unable to secure a spot among the top four third-place teams from the six groups. The Black Stars’ underwhelming performance in the group stage culminated in the team accruing only two points from draws against Mozambique and Egypt, following an initial defeat to Cape Verde who ultimately emerged as the group winners.
Looking ahead, the GFA has pledged to outline a roadmap for the future direction of the Black Stars in the upcoming days. Hughton, 65, managed to achieve four victories out of 13 matches during his tenure with the Black Stars, and had been under scrutiny even before the commencement of the tournament.
This abrupt dismissal signifies a critical juncture for the Ghanaian national team, precipitating widespread speculation and discussion regarding the selection of a new head coach and the overall trajectory of the team’s development. As the dust settles on their AFCON disappointment, the Black Stars now stand at a crossroads, poised for transformation under new leadership.
