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Coach Chris Hughton anticipates a challenging match as the Black Stars face Madagascar in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group qualifier in Antananarivo on Sunday. He stressed the importance of not underestimating any team in the qualifiers, as each national team possesses talented players who are striving to improve their overall performance. During a recent media briefing, the coach acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the upcoming match against Madagascar, considering their home advantage and strong desire to secure a victory for a chance to qualify for the continental competition.
“There isn’t one opposition that we see and think we are going to win this game easily. Every international team is fighting to do well. Madagascar will be no different. They are playing at home, they will need the results, so we would expect a difficult game, and our performance will determine the outcome. We’ll be a prepared team, and it will be a tough match,” he said. The 64-year-old coach also addressed the absence of three key players—Alexander Djiku, Inaki Williams, and Gideon Mensah—assuring that their absence would not impact the team’s plans. He emphasized the competitiveness within the squad, stating that all players were eager to secure a starting position and seize the opportunity.
“This is an international squad, and there is no fixed first 11; all 24 players are competing for a start. That’s why we have the squad that we have.”
Meanwhile, Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil expressed the team’s readiness to face Madagascar on Sunday, emphasizing the high motivation and eagerness of all players in camp to bring pride to Ghana. He acknowledged that not all players had a successful season with their respective clubs, but it had not dampened their spirits or determination to fight for victory. “Every player who is invited here is highly motivated for the game against Madagascar. As you can see, we still have the belief, the teamwork, the commitment, and everything. Even though they had ups and downs in their clubs, that doesn’t affect them in their national team, and with their mentality, they are really prepared for it,” affirmed the Belgium-based player.
Paintsil, who had an outstanding season in the Belgian Jupiler League with 14 goals in 30 appearances for K.R.C Genk, emphasized that his primary focus was contributing to the team’s success rather than feeling pressure to score or provide assists.
“If I score, we thank God, but the most important thing is the team. So, it doesn’t matter who scores or who makes the assist. The most important thing works together as a team to achieve the desired result for Ghanaians.”
