Afcon 2023: Ghana Fires Manager Chris Hughton Following Group-Stage Exit

Ghana's English head coach Chris Hughton gestures instructions to his players from the touchline during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group B football match between Mozambique and Ghana at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on January 22, 2024.

 

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Ghana sacks coach Chris Hughton post-2023 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage exit.

• The Black Stars finished Group B with two points, drawing 2-2 with Egypt and Mozambique and losing 2-1 to Cape Verde.

• Hughton took over as technical adviser in February 2022, replacing Otto Addo after the 2022 World Cup.

• The Ghana Football Association dissolves the entire technical team of the Black Stars.

• Ghana's hopes of progressing as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams were dashed on Tuesday.

• Hughton faced criticism after a shock defeat by Cape Verde and a fan altercation.

• Despite initially expressing support, the GFA announces Hughton's immediate dismissal.

• The GFA promises to provide a roadmap for the future direction of the Black Stars in the coming days.

• Ghana experienced early exits in the 2021 AFCON and the subsequent tournament in Ivory Coast.

• Hughton's tenure also marked by a mixed start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with a win against Madagascar and a loss to Comoros.

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Ghana has parted ways with coach Chris Hughton following their premature exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations during the group stage. 

The Black Stars concluded Group B with just two points, drawing 2-2 against both Egypt and Mozambique, coupled with a 2-1 defeat by Cape Verde in their opening match.

Despite harboring distant hopes of advancing as one of the four best-ranked third-placed teams, Ghana's elimination was confirmed on Tuesday as results across the tournament did not favor them. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) promptly announced the dismissal of Chris Hughton and the dissolution of the entire technical team of the Black Stars.

In a statement, the GFA stated, "Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. The executive council has also taken a decision to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars. The GFA will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars."

Chris Hughton, who took on the role of technical adviser for the four-time continental champions in February 2022, assumed the managerial position after Otto Addo resigned following Ghana's disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup. The team finished at the bottom of Group H with one win in three matches.

The decision to part ways with Hughton comes after Ghana's early exits in the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and the subsequent tournament in Ivory Coast. 

Despite facing criticism and a fan's "verbal altercation" following the loss to Cape Verde, the GFA initially expressed full support for Hughton.

Hughton, a former manager of Newcastle United and Brighton, seemed on course to guide the Black Stars to the Round of 16, occupying the second spot in Group B and holding a 2-0 lead over Mozambique in the final group game. However, Mozambique's two late goals secured an unexpected draw, leading to Ghana's elimination.

The GFA, which had initially been "100%" behind Hughton, will now be unveiling plans for the future direction of the Black Stars in the coming days. 

Additionally, Ghana experienced a mixed start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers under Hughton, winning against Madagascar with a stoppage-time goal but suffering a 1-0 defeat in Comoros.