Ghana Head Coach Chris Hughton has opened up on the Black Stars’ readiness for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Matchday 4 qualifier against Angola on Monday.
The manager has also discussed his decision to hand a late call-up to Amiens SC defender Nicholas Opoku in the absence of Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu- who aren’t part of the squad that travelled to Angola due to injury.
The former Norwich City, Tottenham Hortspur, Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle United manager is aiming for his second win on the bounce after leading the Black Stars to a 1-0 win against Angola on Thursday.
“I don’t know Nicholas as well as some of the staff members and the players here do. So it was good to see him, not so long ago and reintroduce himself to the players so this was good.
“I have watched a lot of games, videos, I can tell you that not so much live because it’s difficult to get round to watch so many live games. But I have always known of Nicholas. I know his strength, he needs no introduction.
“He is somebody that comes in easily; he has played games before so that transition is easy for him coming into the squad. We lost three players in Djiku, Denis Odoi and Andre from the last game.
“ I felt that we were covered enough in the offensive positions and instead of bringing two defenders in because we lost two defenders; I thought we just get the balance right to bring in one. Because I think we have a couple of players that can play in a couple of positions and I didn’t want to bring too many players. Nicholas is somebody that we know; he knows the players and I think the transition is easy.” He added.
