Coach Chris Hughton has expressed his belief that injuries may not significantly impact his team as they prepare for their crucial match against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana currently faces the absence of Joseph Paintsil, who sustained an injury while playing for KRC Genk in the Belgian top flight. Reports suggest that Fatawu Issahaku may be contacted to replace the 25-year-old.
This setback adds to a list of many more players who were not invited due to injuries, including Arsenal star Thomas Partey, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, among others.
Ahead of the game, Hughton emphasized that the absence of certain players would create opportunities for others who he believes are equally capable of representing Ghana.
“Everybody knows what this game [vs. CAR] means,” he told the media during Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the game.
“We will do everything that we can to get the result that we want to get. Preparation has been good. We are missing some players through injuries, but it is also an opportunity for others.
“We are playing at home. We have a good record here, and it is a record that we want to continue.”
Ghana has set its sights on avoiding defeat to secure their place in the tournament, having accumulated nine points from their previous five games. Meanwhile, CAR, with seven points, must win to stand a chance of qualifying.
