Black Stars Head Coach Chris Hughton has praised the efforts of his team after recording a 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2023 AFCON qualification game at the November 11 Stadium in Luanda.
Ghana fell behind after Lucas Joao scored a penalty kick in the 51st minute but got the equalizer in the 72nd minute through substitute, Osman Bukari.
Reacting to the draw that keeps Ghana on top of the Group E standings with eight points, a point above closest contender, Central African Republic, Hughton talked up his team’s abilities despite missing four key players through injuries in the lead up to the game.
“We proved we have a big spirit in the team and in both games, scoring late goals. Angola are a very good side and we are very happy to have four points from the two games. The penalty was for us disappointing but we reacted really well and this shows a team that have good spirit and good quality to get a result” Hughton stated.
Thomas Partey missed the return game due to “small injury issues”, according to Black Stars Head Coach.
Partey was a shock absentee having played out the entire duration in Ghana’s 1-0 win over Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 23.
Hughton stated Partey’s absence was injury-induced.
“Thomas has some small issues, he has some small injury issues and we felt it was too big a risk to start him,” Hughton said.
Aside Partey, Denis Odoi, Salisu Mohammed, Andre Ayew and Alexander Djiku missed the game to varied injuries. –Citinewsroom
