Former Black Stars coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has passionately advocated for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to exercise restraint in deciding the fate of Chris Hughton, emphasizing the need to consider more than just recent results.
The seasoned manager, known for his stints with Brighton and Newcastle United, has faced intense scrutiny following Ghana’s turbulent start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana’s campaign kicked off with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium, only to stumble with a 1-0 defeat to Comoros in their second Group I encounter at Moroni. The disappointing results prompted calls for Hughton’s dismissal, but Akonnor stands as a voice urging caution and patience.
Akonnor acknowledges the emotional turmoil within the management but insists that evaluating a coach goes beyond the immediate outcomes. In his plea to the GFA, he asserts, “I urge management to be patient, sometimes I can understand their emotions and how they feel but it’s always not about the result.” His words resonate with the wisdom born of his own coaching experience.
Adding depth to his perspective, Akonnor highlights the unique challenge faced by Hughton, stating, “If the team has gone down for some time, it means that what we are doing we need to be patient and give him a bit of time.” In this, he underlines the intricacies of team dynamics and the time required for a coach to mold a squad into a cohesive, high-performing unit.
The 21-month contract that binds Hughton to the Black Stars places added weight on the decisions made by the GFA. Akonnor’s plea for patience becomes particularly poignant as he emphasizes the inherited state of the team, suggesting that Hughton inherited a squad not operating at its peak and requiring a substantial period for transformation.
The veteran coach’s advice extends beyond the immediate crisis, urging the decision-makers to consider the long-term vision. As Hughton navigates the challenging path toward the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, the Black Stars find themselves in Group B alongside formidable opponents: Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
In the intricate world of football management, Akonnor’s words serve as a reminder that success is often a journey that demands time, understanding, and a strategic approach. The echoes of his plea linger, urging those in charge to evaluate not just the present but the potential that lies in the hands of a dedicated coach and a team willing to evolve.
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