Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton has pointed to fatigue as the reason behind his decision to bench Joseph Paintsil in the second half.
This comes after Ghana’s late game collapse in a 2-2 draw with Mozambique that all but ends the Black Stars run at the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire.
A second elimination at the group stage at the AFCON in a row is certainly on the cards as Ghana’s point tally (2) and goal difference (-1) puts the team on the outside of the four best third placed teams to qualify to the round of 16 stage.
Zambia, Algeria, Namibia, Cameroon and South Africa are in the mix for a spot in the next round ahead of the final group of games set to conclude on Wednesday, January 24.
Paintsil played a key role in Ghana’s first goal against Mozambique by winning a penalty kick that was converted by Jordan Ayew.
He was surprisingly hurled off at half time for Andre Dede Ayew in the second half leading many to suspect the KRC Genk winger was injured.
However, Hughton explained his reason for the substitution in his post game press saying Paintsil “looked fatigued”.
In a related development, Paintsil has responded sharply to Hughton’s assertion saying “What fatigue?”. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
"What fatigue? Mtchew"
'Angry' Joseph Paintsil hits back at Chris Hughton for half-time substitution against Mozambique. #CitiSports #AFCONonCiti #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/MNivTElDrx
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) January 23, 2024
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled to conclude on February 11.
