In a startling incident during the African Cup Of Nations, Ghana’s coach Chris Hughton narrowly escaped physical harm when an irate fan attempted to assault him.
The confrontation occurred after Ghana’s unexpected defeat to the Cape Verde Islands, which marked one of the tournament’s most surprising outcomes. The match, held in Ivory Coast, concluded with a dramatic stoppage-time goal that sealed Ghana’s fate, much to the dismay of their supporters.
The charged atmosphere spilled over at the team hotel upon their return from the game, where the disgruntled supporter confronted Hughton.
Fortunately, security personnel were quick to intervene, preventing the situation from escalating further. Despite avoiding physical injury, Hughton was not spared from the fan’s fury, as he endured a barrage of harsh words.
This loss added to Ghana’s recent string of disappointments, coming on the heels of another upset in November during the World Cup qualifiers, where they were bested by the Comoros Islands.
Ghana were behind in the contest within 17 minutes and despite equalizing in the second half, a strike from Garry Rodrigues would seal their fate.
Incredibly disappointed with the result: Ghana coach Chris Hughton
After the loss to Cape Verde, Hughton said, as quoted by Reuters, that the team was hugely disappointed with the result as they had fielded a strong offensive team.
“We are incredibly, hugely disappointed with the result. We came into the game with a game plan,” Hughton told a press conference. We changed the way of playing, the system a bit so that we could start on the front foot.”
“We thought the team that were put out was certainly a more offensive team. This was our intention. I think it rocked us the (first) goal that we conceded but I thought we got back into the game.”
“At that stage (when Ghana equalised) it looked like we could go on and win it. We are hugely, hugely disappointed with our result,” Hughton said. “And I know, and this group of players also know, how the Ghanaian people see this game, see this tournament and our expectations going into this one.”
