Emotions boiled over following Ghana’s disastrous 2-2 draw against Mozambique in a crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group B encounter in Abidjan.
The Ghanaian media contingent that covered the match in Abidjan confronted the Black Stars as they were preparing to leave the Alassane Outtara Stadium following the result that left the team on the verge of elimination. Ghana contrived to blow a 2-0 lead, spectacularly collapsing to concede two goals in injury time.
This result proved too much to bear for the press from the West African nation, who made their feelings known. They were filmed aiming insults at the players and coaches, and also attempting to prevent the team bus from leaving the bowels of the stadium.
The relevant authorities acted quickly, roping in security and other other physical measures like barricades to ensure that both teams were kept apart. Memorably, one of the journalists was heard hurling an insult at who appeared to be coach Chris Hughton, saying:
“You, you are not a good coach. Stupid man!”
The Black Stars opened the tournament poorly with a 2-1 loss to Cape Verde, before getting a 2-2 draw against seven-time champions Egypt. A win was all that was required for them to seal their safe passage into the Round of 16.
They now have to nervously wait and see how the remaining final round of group-stage matches play out. Ghana stands a remote chance of finishing in a “best-ranked third-place” group finish, hoping that a near-impossible amount of results go in the team’s favour for any miracles to happen.
It appears that Hughton is a man who is about to get the chop judging by recent results, having won just four out the last 15 matches with the team in all competitions. Also, Ghana’s recent record in AFCONs has been nothing short of shambolic, having won just one match out the last 10 in three consecutive tournaments.
