Despite his goal drought in the national team, Ghana coach Chris Hughton emphasized the importance of Inaki Williams, the under-fire striker.
Williams has played in six matches for the Black Stars since his debut on September 23, 2022, against Brazil but is yet to score for the national team.
Williams featured in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar without scoring and was substituted in the second half of the matchday three clash against Angola at Baba Yara Stadium, where he didn't score a goal.
However, in a pre-match conference, Hughton highlighted the contributions that Williams brings to the team beyond just scoring goals. He stated that the 28-year-old is a consistent player who makes a lot of runs, stretches the play, and sometimes benefits other players.
The Ghana coach said, “Inaki is a very good player playing in a good team in a good league. I think it’s not all about goals, he plays consistently for his team”
“He is a player that make a lot of runs, he stretches play and sometimes benefit other players. So I think with regards to his goal scoring it will come but sometimes it doesn’t come as quick as you want, what’s important for us is his contribution in a game for the team” he said.
Williams is expected to lead Ghana's frontline when they face Angola in Luanda on Monday at 4 pm. The Black Stars sit at the top of Group E with seven points after three games, three points ahead of second-placed Angola, while Central African Republic is third with four points.
If Ghana wins against Angola in Luanda, they will secure qualification to the continental showpiece, which will be hosted by Ivory Coast.
