Mexico are used to the pitch, says Ghana coach Chris Hughton after defeat

Ghana coach Chris Hughton points out that the Black Stars may have been at a disadvantage against Mexico due to the match being played at a stadium the North Americans are “used to.”

Hughton’s team were unable to register a shot on target in the 2-0 defeat at the Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It was Hughton’s first defeat as Ghana’s coach, following his appointment eight months ago. He came into Saturday’s match with an unbeaten record, having won three games. However, despite Black Stars dominating possession, the Mexicans secured victory with second-half goals from Hirving Lozano and Uriel Antuna.

“I think we knew we were up against a very good Mexican team playing at home on a surface that they are used to, so we knew it was going to be a tough opposition,” Hughton said.

“I thought in the first half period we coped well even though we didn’t create the amount of chances that we would have liked to have done, but I think we had reasonable good control of the game.”

Hughton’s focus has now shifted to the upcoming friendly against the United States at Geodis Park in Nashville on Tuesday. The Black Stars are hoping to secure a win as part of their preparations for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros.