Ghana’s AFCON 2024 Redemption Quest Amid Managerial Turmoil

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The countdown to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations has commenced, with Ghana heading into the tournament with mixed emotions amidst Chris Hughton’s rough spell in charge.

A highly anticipated continental competition, hosted by Ivory Coast, kicks off on January 13, as the Black Stars go up against Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique in a competitive-looking Group B.

Following an underwhelming group stage elimination at the 2021 edition, the Ghanaians have a point to prove this winter, especially after failing to make it out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup group phase last year.

Ghana’s poor result in Qatar proved the end of the road for former manager Otto Addo, and it’s now up to Hughton to inspire the nation’s bid to win their first AFCON title since 1982.

Despite the setback in the Middle East, current soccer predictions favour Hughton’s side as one of the potential dark horses in the upcoming tournament.

Manager

Before joining Ghana’s technical staff in February 2022, Hughton had spent his entire managerial career in England.

After inspiring Newcastle United to one of the most convincing Premier League promotions ever in 2009/10, he earned a reputation as one of England’s most talented young coaches.

Though he didn’t last long in his first-ever top-flight campaign as a manager, he returned to prominence while in charge of Birmingham City, leading the club to their first European campaign in 50 years in 2011/12.

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Hughton affirmed his managerial credentials in 2016/17, guiding Brighton & Hove Albion to their maiden Premier League promotion before establishing them as the division’s permanent fixture.

While his last job on English soil didn’t go according to plan, as Nottingham Forest sacked him less than two months into the 2021/22 campaign, the 65-year-old boasts a preeminent background.

His wealth of experience could bring value to Ghana in a tournament of this magnitude, offering a tactical edge and fostering a robust foundation to enhance the team’s resilience.

Form

It’s still uncertain whether Hughton will be in charge of Ghana in January.

After suffering three defeats in the last four internationals, except for a 1-0 home win against Madagascar in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier, Hughton has come under heavy scrutiny.

Goals have been at a premium for the four-time AFCON winners, as they’ve failed to get on the scoresheet three times during that four-game sequence.

Since his appointment in February, he has won less than 50% of matches as Black Stars manager (W4, D2, L3), raising concerns regarding his ability to solidify the Ghanaians’ form and consistency.

While his future at the Ghana national team hangs by a thread, the ex-Brighton boss could move back to Europe, with the Republic of Ireland setting their sights on him, as per RTE.

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Team

Looking bluntly at the personnel, Ghana may be among the most intimidating sides in Africa.

Star duo Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey has gained recognition for their formidable club form by being named in the CAF best starting XI for 2023.

But they are not the only Premier League stars at Hughton’s disposal.

Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo have gone from strength to strength this season, while Athletic Bilbao talisman Inaki Williams is firing on all cylinders in La Liga.

On paper, it looks impressive, but a lack of team chemistry has hampered Ghana’s ability to perform consistently and reach their full potential on the field.

Prediction 

You’d need to go back to the 2015 edition for the last time Ghana reached the AFCON final, but replicating that feat looks like a pipe dream at this point.

However, qualifying for the knockout stages is the bare minimum you’d expect from a team of this quality.

Then, who knows…

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