During the March international break, Chris Hughton began his tenure as Black Stars’ head coach by overseeing Ghana’s matches against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier doubleheader. Here are five key observations from those games:
- Baba Rahman appears to have solidified his position as Ghana’s first-choice left-back, particularly after Gideon Mensah’s underwhelming performances in Kumasi and Luanda. Fans were left disappointed by Mensah’s display, and it is expected that Hughton will turn to Rahman upon his return from injury.
- Jordan Ayew showed his versatility and value to the team in both matches, including a cameo as a number 10 in the second leg, which earned him praise and respect. Despite his unconventional style as an attacker, his consistency over the years in the Premier League speaks volumes about his abilities.
- Ghana’s ability to perform well without Andre Ayew, who was an unused sub in the first game and injured in the second, is an encouraging sign. The team showed a never-say-die attitude and willingness to step up in big moments, suggesting that other players are capable of filling the void when needed.
- The Black Stars demonstrated mental toughness in both games, bouncing back from adversity to find goals and earn results. This is a marked improvement from their performance at the World Cup, where they struggled under pressure.
- The Ghana squad has depth and quality, with Hughton utilizing his bench effectively to change the outcome of the first game and provide attacking impetus in the second. The team’s success is not solely dependent on the starting XI, but on the strength of the entire squad.
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