Head coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton, has stated that dropping Andre Dede Ayew from Ghana’s starting line-up against Angola is part of the decisions coaches make in their jobs.
He made the remarks during a post-game interview following the Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Angola in the first of two 2023 AFCON legs played at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, March 23.
Ghana struggled throughout the game, but a mix-up in the Angolan penalty box off a Mohammed Kudus free kick allowed Antoine Semenyo to slam the ball into the net.
However, captain Andre Ayew didn’t play in the game and Hughton stated it was his choice to not play the Nottingham Forest forward when quizzed about Ayew’s omission.
“This is the choice you have as a head coach. You know the quality that Andre has you also know the quality that I like to think the squad has… so these are very difficult decisions for me; certainly, nothing to read into that. He is, has been, and is still a very good player it was just my choice.”
Hughton was named Black Stars head coach in February of this year after serving as the team’s technical advisor.
