In the world of international football, the heat is on as Ghana’s head coach, Chris Hughton, braces himself for the challenges ahead in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. With matches against Madagascar and Comoros looming on the horizon, Hughton finds himself under scrutiny following Ghana’s recent losses to Mexico (2-0) and the United States (4-0) in friendly matches last month.
Despite the intense speculation and mounting pressure, the 64-year-old tactician maintains his focus on the task at hand. “It’s for me as the coach to learn from our players’ performances and how we can improve, because ultimately you’re now playing competition games – two World Cup qualifiers,” said the former Brighton and Newcastle boss during an interview with BBC Africa.
“These are two crucial games that we must perform well in. My role as coach of the Black Stars is to extract the best results and performances from the team. You can’t always guarantee that, but you can always learn from your past experiences, whether they were good or bad. Ultimately, I will work as hard as I always do to ensure we perform to the best of our abilities.”
Hughton’s commitment to improvement and adaptability is evident in his decision to recall Ghana captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew for the upcoming matches. Ayew, who was notably absent from the squad that faced Mexico and the USA, is a seasoned player and an integral part of the national set-up, according to Hughton. The coach emphasized Ayew’s significance, not only for his playing ability but also for his leadership and influence on the younger players within the squad.
The road to the 2026 World Cup won’t be an easy one for Ghana. They will also contend with Mali, the Central African Republic, and Chad in Group I, with the winners earning a coveted spot in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, the allure of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast, commencing on January 13, 2023, cannot be ignored.
Ghana’s fans, who have been yearning for Afcon success, hope that the team can clinch the title they haven’t won since 1982. Hughton acknowledges this aspiration but stresses the importance of maintaining focus on the World Cup qualifiers first. He highlights that performing well in these qualifiers will provide the momentum needed for a successful Afcon campaign.
While discussing Afcon, Hughton acknowledges the fierce competition from several African powerhouses such as Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Cameroon, and Tunisia. The modern landscape of African football has seen an influx of players from big European clubs, making the tournament even more challenging and exciting.
Hughton also addresses the club versus country dilemma, noting that Ghana boasts several players from top European clubs. Players like Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham), and Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace) are set to leave their club commitments temporarily to represent Ghana. Hughton emphasizes that these players are fully committed to the national team, and he sees no indication of wavering spirit among them.
Furthermore, he believes that modern clubs and technical staff have become more accepting of the situation, recognizing that African players’ participation in the Africa Cup of Nations is inevitable and respecting their dedication to their national teams.
In the midst of speculation and challenges, Chris Hughton’s determination to lead Ghana’s national team to success remains unwavering. As the Black Stars embark on their World Cup qualifying journey and prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, they do so with a coach who is committed to learning, adapting, and ensuring that the team gives its all on the global football stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ghana Football
Q: What challenges is Chris Hughton facing as Ghana’s coach?
A: Chris Hughton, Ghana’s coach, is facing challenges such as mounting pressure and scrutiny, especially after recent losses in friendly matches against Mexico and the United States. There are concerns about his future with the Black Stars, and he acknowledges the need to learn and adapt from previous experiences.
Q: What matches is Ghana’s national team preparing for?
A: Ghana’s national team, under Chris Hughton’s guidance, is preparing for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. They have upcoming matches against Madagascar and Comoros, which are crucial for their World Cup qualification campaign.
Q: Why did Chris Hughton decide to recall Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew to the squad?
A: Chris Hughton decided to recall Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew due to his significant role as a seasoned player and captain of the Black Stars. Ayew’s influence on and off the field is highly valued, making him an essential part of the national set-up.
Q: What are Ghana’s prospects in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers?
A: Ghana faces stiff competition in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Mali, the Central African Republic, and Chad in Group I. The group winners will secure a spot in the World Cup, which adds to the pressure on Ghana to perform well in these matches.
Q: When does the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kick off, and what are Ghana’s hopes for it?
A: The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to begin on January 13, 2023, in Ivory Coast. Ghana’s fans are eager for success in Afcon, but Chris Hughton emphasizes the importance of focusing on the World Cup qualifiers first to build momentum for a successful Afcon campaign.
Q: How are Ghana’s top players from European clubs balancing their club commitments and national team duties?
A: Ghana’s top players from European clubs, including Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Jordan Ayew, are committed to representing their country in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Hughton believes that modern clubs and technical staff are more accepting of the situation, recognizing that African players’ participation in Afcon is inevitable and respecting their dedication to their national teams.
