Chris Hughton has been sacked as head coach of the Ghana Black Stars following their disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Ghana Football Association announced his dismissal via a post of their website that read, “The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the senior National team with immediate effect.“
The statement continued that to state that the GFA had also dissolved the technical team of the Black Stars.
“The Ghana Football Association will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars“, the statement ended.
Timeline of events leading to the sack of Chris Hughton:
- February 2023: Chris Hughton appointed Ghana coach, taking over from Otto Addo
- March 2023: Wins first game as late strike secure victory against Angola in AFCON 2023 qualifiers. The qualifiers had already started so he took over after two games.
- September 2023: Secures AFCON 2023 qualification after comeback win over Central African Republic.
- October 2023: Poor results in friendlies, losing to USA (4-0) and Mexico (2-0)
- November 2023: Reports suggest GFA wants to sack Hughton but don’t receive backing of government who pays the coach’s salary.
- November 2023: Uninspiring start to 2026 World Cup qualifiers, struggling to beat Madagascar and then losing to Comoros.
- January 2024: Disappointing performance at AFCON results in first round exit.
- January 23rd, 2024: Chris Hughton officially dismissed as Black Stars coach.
What are the possible reasons for Chris Hughton’s sacking as Black Stars coach
Though the GFA statement gives not clear reasons, the nature and timing suggests the embattled coach’s dismissal could be due to;
- Poor performance at AFCON 2023: Ghana failed to win any of their three group stage matches, drawing two and losing one, resulting in their early elimination from the tournament. This underwhelming performance, leading to a humiliating group-stage exit at the 2023 AFCON, fueled public pressure for Hughton’s removal.
- Tactical concerns: While Hughton secured Ghana’s AFCON qualification, some fans and pundits questioned his tactics, citing a lack of attacking flair and an overly cautious approach.
This is a developing story. More to follow