Reports suggest that a Ghanaian fan has been apprehended for assaulting manager Chris Hughton following the Black Stars’ unexpected 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident allegedly occurred at the team’s hotel in Abidjan.
Journalist Saddick Adams and others claim that the assailant was handed over to the Ivorian Police.
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However, conflicting reports from Muftawu Nabila Abdulai suggest that there was no arrest, but the irate fan was removed by security after using inappropriate language.
Cape Verde secured the victory with Garry Rodrigues scoring a late winner in Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations opener.
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Cape Verde took the lead in the 17th minute as Garry Rodrigues’ shot was parried by Ghana’s goalkeeper, leading to Jamiro Monteiro scoring from close range.
Ghana appeared to equalize before halftime, but Majeed Ashimeru’s goal was disallowed after a VAR check due to an offside position.
Ghana eventually leveled in the second half with Alexander Djiku’s header from a corner.
Despite missed opportunities for Ghana, Cape Verde had multiple chances, and the decisive goal came in stoppage time when a defensive error allowed Rodrigues to score, securing a 2-1 victory.
Notably, Ghana’s Dede Ayew marked his eighth Cup of Nations tournament appearance as a substitute.
Hughton took over as Ghana’s manager in 2023 after a 13-year coaching career in England.
Dismissed by Nottingham Forest in 2021, he later joined Ghana in a technical advisor capacity a year after.
Hughton assumed the role of manager in February 2023. After their group stage defeat to Cape Verde, the former Brighton boss faced criticism from fans, and in response, Hughton stated, “If you’re asking me what I say to the Ghanaians, it’s what I’ll say to anybody…”
“At that stage it looked like we could go on and win it. We are hugely, hugely disappointed with our result.”
“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.”
“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.”
“It’s a defeat we’re hugely disappointed with.”
“At that stage it looked like we could go on and win it. We are hugely, hugely disappointed with our result.”
“It’s a defeat we’re hugely disappointed with.”
In the preceding Group B match, Mohamed Salah rescued Egypt from a potential setback by scoring a stoppage-time penalty, securing a 2-2 draw against Mozambique, who made their first finals appearance since 2010.
The upcoming fixtures include Ghana facing Egypt on Thursday and Cape Verde playing against Mozambique on Friday, with both matches taking place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
