The Black Stars slumped to a disappointimg 1-0 defeat at the hands of Comoros counterparts in Tuesday afternoon's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier and it is a result that leaves serious question marks hanging over the future of manager Chris Hughton.
Faiz Selemani scored the all important goal to give Comoros a vital home victory and their second consecutive win in the qualifiers.
Here are four talking points from the match...
Comoros played The Perfect Game
Comoros were dominant but Ghana had some good spells. The hosts didn’t allow the Ghanaians play and were much more clinical in possession of the ball. Comoros took their time and converted a chance on goal at the right moment, whereas Ghana were wasteful whenever big chances arose.
Hughton Living On Borrowed Time
Not only were the tactics wrong, but as has been the case since in their recent games. Hughton looked bereft of any inspiration. The players, as talented as they are, aren’t responding to his ideas, and it must have been a tough watch for many Ghana fans to watch their team play so bad.
Hughton looked a broken, beaten man at the final whistle. He faces a mammoth task in trying to rouse his troops for the upcoming AFCON 2023 tournament, assuming he is still in charge...
Speculation that there will be a managerial change will only increase, and it is becoming harder by the day to make a case for the 64-year-old. Would it be too late? Well, the future would suggest not. A new manager would, at the very least, spark something that could get the team back to winning ways.
Thomas Partey is a big miss for Ghana
Many have questioned the midfielder’s importance, but the fact of the matter is that the Black Stars are not the same team without him.
The Arsenal midfielder brings pace and power from a deep position, and his willingness to take the ball under pressure, and move through the lines, is something that the Black Stars undoubtedly miss. Mohammed Kudus is a fine footballer, but he is not Partey.
Salis Abdul Samed's presence in central midfield allows for his partner to drive forward, and that is where Partey shines. There was not too much of a relationship between Ghana's midfield and forward line in Moroni, and it was another example of just what the team is when Partey does not feature.
Why Did Ayew start?
Granted a starting berth by Hughton, Andre Ayew who captained the team was expected top be a key figure in the Black Stars team.
It couldn’t have gone any worse for the midfielder as it was clear he wasn’t fit from the outset. A mere passenger throughout the duration he lasted on the pitch, the Black Stars might as well have played with ten men.
If he was fit, then his performance was dismal and if he was injured, it raises even more questions as to why he remained in the game for so long.
