Ghana confirmed Chris Hughton's sacking in a brutal statement after their group-stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Ghana held to 2-2 draw by MozambiqueCrashed out of AFCON after finishing fourth in groupHughton pays price for dismal performanceWHAT HAPPENED?
The Black Stars finished their Group B campaign with just two points after posting a 2-1 loss to Cape Verde in their opening game, before drawing 2-2 with both Egypt and Mozambique. Ghana still looked poised to sail into the knockouts as they held a 2-0 lead over Mozambique in their final group game until the 90th minute. However, an unexpected stoppage-time comeback by the Mambas, which saw them score two goals in three minutes, knocked Ghana out of the continental tournament.
AdvertisementGetty WHAT GHANA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SAID
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have released a blunt statement confirming the dismissal of Hughton, which reada: "The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the senior National team with immediate effect.
"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."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Houghton, the former Newcastle United and Brighton manager, replaced Otto Addo after the 2022 World Cup, where Ghana finished at the bottom of Group H with just a single victory in three matches. He was unable to oversee any significant improvement, though, with Ghana exiting the AFCON at the group stage for the second successive time.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ghana have won the AFCON on four occasions in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982. They have also finished as runners-up five times in 1968, 1970, 1992, 2010, and 2015, but have struggled to make an impact in their last two appearances at the tournament.