Chris Hughton is not writing off Angola’s menace in front of goal as the Black Stars prepare for evening’s crucial Group E encounter in the AFCON qualifiers.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager will be overseeing his first match as the head coach of the Ghana national football team against Angola.
Last month, the Ghana Football Association announced that the gaffer would be promoted from the role of an assistant following Otto Addo’s post-World Cup resignation.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi on Wednesday, Hughton was full of praise for African football.
“The continent of Africa is producing so many good players, hence the reason why the African Cup of Nations has become a bigger part of [our game].”
“The AFCON is now shown more regularly in England than ever before. That is because of the quality of the teams and the individuals,” he added.
The Irish manager also responded to the incident where Ghanaian stop-stopper Joseph Wallocot suffered an injury after the goal frame fell on him in training earlier this week.
Hughton admitted, “Yes, he is fine. Of course, at the time there was a concern, but very shortly afterwards we determined that he was fine. And yes, it was a very unfortunate incident.”
“I have studied Angola” – reveals Hughton
Chris Hughton also acknowledged the quality and threat offered by Angola.
“My experience with Angola was before I became head coach. I have studied them in their last 5, 6, or 7 games, and technically, they are a very good team.
“[They have] a lot of good technical players, so I am in no doubt that this is a strong and tough opposition. Certainly, they have the capabilities that. If we don’t play as well as we’d like to, they can cause us a lot of problems,” he stated.
Particularly, the Black Stars will be very weary of Italian-based striker M’bala Nzola. The forward has netted 12 goals in Serie A, which is only bettered by Osimhen’s 21 and Lautaro Martinez’s 14.
Former Premier League star Helder Costa and Angola’s AFCON qualifiers’ top scorer Gelson Dala also pose an attacking threat.
Meanwhile, Hughton also addressed the pressure on his side to beat Angola this evening..
“Our aim is to qualify for the AFCON and do well there. And the only way you can do that is by winning football matches. It’s hugely important to get the win. To win this game against very tough opposition at home, with a tough game [return fixture] coming in a few days time, it’s hugely important.”
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The Black Stars host the Black Antelopes at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this evening for the third match of Group E.
The pair sits at the top of Group E at 4 points, with the winner in Kumasi today taking charge of the driving seat.
