Ghana sacks coach Chris Hughton after early AFCON exit

• Chris Hughton has been sacked as the head coach of Ghana’s national team
• Tuesday marked Ghana’s official elimination from the competition
• Ghana lost to Cape Verde

Chris Hughton has been sacked as the head coach of Ghana’s national team following its dismal performance and early exit from AFCON 2023.

Tuesday marked Ghana’s official elimination from the competition as other groups’ outcomes did not go their way.

After losing their first game against Cape Verde, they drew with Egypt and Mozambique in Group B to earn just two points.

Ghana Football Association Sacks Chris Hughton

Ghana Football Association in a statement said that Hughton failed to steer the team in the direction it wanted.

“Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the senior national team with immediate effect,” part of the statement read.

Chris Hughton. Photo/The New Times

“The executive council has also taken a decision to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars. The Ghana Football Association will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars,” it further read.

How Did Ghana Perform at AFCON 2023?

Ghana’s penultimate group game against Mozambique ended in a 2-2 draw, meaning they lost the opportunity to advance to the round of 16.

Though Cameroon’s victory over Gambia ended their hopes of qualifying, they were still among the top four teams in third place and may have advanced.

In February 2023, Hughton, a former manager of Brighton and Newcastle United, was named head coach of Ghana.

Ghana led their AFCON qualifying group, but Hughton’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign got off to a rocky start.

In their first match, they defeated Madagascar with a goal in the 96th minute, but they were defeated 1-0 by Comoros.

Hughton added, “Things are very raw right now,” following his team’s AFCON loss to Mozambique. The place is furious right now.

“It’s an angry place at the moment, but when you are unable to see game through, it becomes very difficult. Our performances have not been good. We played three games, conceded two goals in each game and have ourselves in a difficult situation,” he said.

As it turns out, this was his last commentary on the national team before his exit.

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