Ex-Black Stars Midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has labelled Ghana’s performance against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde as disappointing in the second group B game of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
This marks the third consecutive time that the Black Stars have failed to secure a victory in their tournament opener after losing in the last two editions in 2019 & 2021.
Agyemang Badu, in an interview with Citi News, expressed surprise at Hughton’s lineup leading to the team’s defeat in the opening game, citing a pattern of unsatisfactory results in recent tournament kick-offs.
We need to get our selection right, the Coach has been with the team for a number of years, he [Chris Hughton] was the technical director, and he knows the ins & outs of the team.
Hughton needs to get some stuff right this time around against Egypt.
Playing against Egypt will be a very crucial game, they drew against Mozambique and will now want the points against Ghana.
The Black Stars also need to win against Egypt, but i think it will be difficult against Egypt, it is a crucial game on Thursday, but i am very optimistic that with the right start and preparations we can sail through against them.
Despite not winning the AFCON in 13 years, Egypt’s record of having the most AFCON titles (seven) will remain intact as they have two more than the next country on the list (Cameroon).
Given their mentality, Egypt will be looking ahead and challenging themselves to get a record-extending eighth crown.
The Egyptians were held to a two-all draw by an imposing Mozambique side in the opening game of Group B at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
End of the match ⏹️#egyptnt #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/aDqnBUTf3X
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) January 14, 2024
Ghana’s Black Stars on the other hand lost its opening game for the third time at the African Cup of Nations, following a 2-1 loss to Cape Verde.
⏱️ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 ⏱️
🇬🇭 Ghana 1️⃣-2️⃣ Cape Verde 🇨🇻#BlackStars | #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/huyl5FxikJ
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 14, 2024
Both countries will face each other on Thursday at 8 pm at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
Looking forward to our next match.#egyptnt pic.twitter.com/CTDb2Dep8f
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) January 15, 2024
The two countries have been to the AFCON finals for a record nine times, with Egypt winning seven[7] and the Black Stars winning four[4].
