Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton says he was disappointed with his team for failing to score a goal against Madagascar in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Ghana faced Madagascar at Antananarivo in their penultimate game of the qualifiers on Sunday, June 18, knowing that a win would see them secure early qualification to the AFCON to be staged in Ivory Coast.
However, the Black Stars played out a frustrating stalemate against the Barea with no goals recorded while the team also failed to create clear-cut chances.
READ ALSO: 2023 AFCONQ: Black Stars fail to shine against Madagascar in frustrating draw
Speaking after the draw, Hughton, whose frustration was seen in the course of the game, didn't hide his dissatisfaction with the results.
"Yes, we are very disappointed. We came with an attitude and mindset to win but to win a football match you need to score goals," the 64-year-old said.
"We found it difficult today. The pitch is difficult, it’s an uneven pitch but it’s the same for both teams and we needed to be forceful in the key areas to create more opportunities to score so the fact that we didn’t score is the most disappointing thing."
Madagascar may be out of the race for an AFCON slot but the draw felt like a win for them as their fans cheered them on throughout the entire game.
Hughton adds that the support from the crowd made the game difficult for his team.
"The game was tough, just as in every game, there’s no easy game on the continent. We had a lot of possession even in the first half but to change the momentum of the game, you needed to score. Because the longer the game goes when you don’t score, you give Madagascar the encouragement," he added.
"They are playing in front of the home supporters who were cheering them on and they were growing in confidence so at any stage we needed to score to change the feeling of the game. We had a lot possession but we didn’t create enough clear chances and when you are unable to do this, it’s very difficult to win games."
The Black Stars will need a draw against Central Africa Republic in their last game in September if they are to make the trip to Ivory Coast as they only command a one-point in Group E.
Latest Stories
-
Over 80 educational projects to be commissioned this week
48 mins -
Kuami Eugene shows leadership; mobilises fellow artistes for peace song
3 hours -
The JOY Prime Made in Ghana Fair: Why not miss it!
3 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Struggling Asante Kotoko aim to bounce back against high-flying Nations FC
3 hours -
GES Deputy D-G admonishes students to uphold integrity and teamwork
4 hours -
Election 2024: Osabarima Dr Owusu Beyeeman advocates for peace
4 hours -
Fashion at Joy Prime Made in Ghana Fair
6 hours -
Alan Kyerematen wanted me to be his running mate – Okyeame Kwame
6 hours -
AFCON 2025Q: Otto Addo calls up Jerry Afriyie, two others for Niger clash
8 hours -
Vacant Seats: Supreme Court failed to strengthen Ghana’s democracy – NDC’s Beatrice Annan
8 hours -
Coop Kee makes bold statement with ‘Ohemaa’
8 hours -
Judiciary not a rubber stamp for Jubilee House decisions – Atta Akyea asserts
9 hours -
Judiciary being manipulated by politicians – Franklin Cudjoe claims
9 hours -
NPP slams ‘unwarranted and disgraceful’ attacks on Kufuor
9 hours -
Election 2024: Dampare cautions public against electoral misconduct
9 hours