Chris Hughton has downplayed conversations suggesting Ghana’s superiority over the Central African Republic (CAR) as both teams prepare to square off in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Both coaches have been speaking ahead of the game with Raoul Savoy the coach of CAR admitting that Ghana have an upper hand going into the game given their pedigree and history in football. He was however confident his team were capable of causing havoc and stunning Ghana.
“Nigeria never expected us to beat them at home but we did,” he told the media during Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the game.
“You never know [what we can do]. I have respect for Ghana because they are far better than us as a football nation but football is the most lovely game in the world because every time, every day you have surprises.”
Reacting to the remarks, Hughton said the level of improvement in African football means it would be bad to undermine the potential of any team.
According to him, his team would accord their opponents the respect they deserve while aiming to achieve their desired goal.
“I think all I can do is to speak on behalf of myself as Head Coach of course the Black Stars is all I can do. What any opposition manager or player has to say about their own team or the game is of course their opinion. My opinion is that there are no easy games in this group – home or away. The level of African Football has improved significantly over the years, which means that there are no easy games so we will have to treat a good opposition with the respect that they deserve.”
He however added that Gahna will ride on home advantage and deliver in front of their fans.
“But I will go back to what I said; we are playing at home here in Kumasi in front of our home supporters and we hope they can drive us on to the victory that we want.”
The Black Stars have nine points after five matches and must win or draw to advance to the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast but the game is a must-win for the Wild Beasts who have seven points and sit third in group E of the qualifiers.
The all-important fixture will come off today at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi at 4pm local time.