The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, has been on an upward trajectory since the appointment of Chris Hughton as the head coach.
According to Karim Zito, a strategist at Dreams FC and former assistant coach of the Ghana U-20 team, the team has improved significantly under Hughton’s leadership.
Hughton, a former professional football player and manager from England, was appointed as the head coach of Ghana in February 2023.
His appointment was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his ability to manage an African team.
However, Zito has come out in support of Hughton, citing the team’s recent performances as evidence of his positive impact.
In their first two games under Hughton’s guidance, Ghana faced Angola in the AFCON 23 qualification matches in March.
The Black Stars won the first match 1-0 in Kumasi and drew the second game 1-1 in Luanda.
While some may have expected Ghana to win both games, Zito believes that four points out of a possible six is a good return.
Zito also highlighted the positive changes that he has seen in the team under Hughton’s guidance. He noted that the players, especially the younger ones, have become more aggressive and determined to win.
Additionally, they are playing according to instructions, which suggests that Hughton is doing a good job of coaching them.
Zito’s endorsement of Hughton will no doubt please the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Black Stars supporters.
Despite concerns that Hughton may not be the right fit for the team, given his lack of experience coaching in Africa, Zito’s comments suggest that Hughton is gradually winning over the players and the coaching staff.
With a tough schedule ahead of them, including strong opposition in their remaining AFCON 23 qualification matches and participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast, the Black Stars will need to continue their upward trajectory under Hughton’s leadership.
However, Zito’s comments will give Hughton and the Black Stars a much-needed boost of confidence and support from key figures within the Ghanaian football community.
