Ghana coach Chris Hughton has explained the reasoning behind leaving captain Andre Ayew on the bench against Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The captain of the Black Stars did not play any active part in his side’s 1-0 win over the Palancas Negras on Thursday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The win is the first for Ghana after its defeat to Uruguay at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Striker Antoine Semenyo came off the bench to grab a late winner which ensures the Black Stars returned to winning ways under new coach Chris Hughton.
In a postmatch interview, Chris Hughton said it was his decision to leave the captain on the bench.
He stressed that this is the choice you have as a head coach.
Hughton went on to say further that, you know the quality that Andre has, you also know the quality that he likes to think the squad has…so these are very difficult decisions for him; certainly nothing to read into that. He is, has been, and is still a very good player it was just my choice.
The Black Stars will travel to Luanda on Monday for the second leg of the doubleheader, knowing a win will seal early qualification.