Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have announced the sacking of head coach Chris Hughton following the national team’s disappointing group stage elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The decision come just 24 hours after the Black Star’s painful exit from the competition after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Mozambique.
Hughton, 65, was appointed Ghana boss last February but leaves after just one year in charge and a string of poor results. The Black Stars finished bottom of Group B at the continental finals in Ivory Coast, drawing 2-2 with both Egypt and Mozambique. Their tournament began with a shock 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in their opening match.
Despite holding a 2-0 lead over Mozambique going into injury time in their final group game, Ghana conceded two late goals to draw 2-2 – a result which sealed their elimination.
In a statement, the GFA said “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 former Newcastle United and Brighton manager was hired in 2022 to replace Otto Addo, who resigned after Ghana’s group stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar. However, Hughton has overseen a continuation of the nation’s decline, with the four-time African champions flopping once again on the big stage.
While the GFA initially stood behind Hughton after he was verbally abused by a fan following the loss to Cape Verde, they have now decided to make a change after the latest disappointment.
Ghana have struggled to match their golden generation of the 2000s and have not won the Africa Cup of Nations since 1982. Their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup also began inconsistently under Hughton, raising further alarm bells.
The GFA said they will announce a roadmap for appointing Hughton’s successor and the future direction of the national team. With a talented squad at their disposal, Ghana will be looking for an immediate turnaround as they seek to revive their fortunes.
