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The nature of the defeat was painful, as was the calibre of the team Ghana lost to in terms of pedigree.
Following Ghana's unexpected loss to Cape Verde in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener, head coach Chris Hughton faced an unpleasant situation, as reports emerged of fans confronting him aggressively.
The incident happened after Garry Rodrigues grabbed a 92nd-minute winner for Cape Verde to subject Ghana to their first defeat in the ongoing AFCON.
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13:27 - 16.01.2024
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The nature of the defeat was painful, as was the calibre of the team Ghana lost to in terms of pedigree.
However, the unpleasant situation might be tied to the loss, but it is a combination of factors since Hughton took over the job. Here are three reasons why fans attacked Ghana’s coach.
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12:41 - 16.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Ghana coach attacked after disappointing loss to Cape Verde
The consequences of losing to Cape Verde in their opening match of the 2023 AFCON almost turned dire for Ghanaian national team coach Chris Hughton
Disappointing Performance Against Smaller Teams
Chris Hughton's tenure as Ghana's coach has been marked by underwhelming performances, including just four wins in 11 games. This record includes losses to teams like the Comoros Islands in World Cup qualifiers and, more recently, to Cape Verde in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Such defeats, particularly against teams considered smaller or less formidable, have likely contributed to the frustration among fans.
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High Expectations and Subsequent Disappointment
Ghanaian football fans generally have high expectations for their national team, particularly in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations. The team's poor start in the 2023 edition, including the shocking loss to Cape Verde, significantly fell short of these expectations.
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This defeat was especially hard to swallow as it came from a late goal, highlighting defensive weaknesses and strategic errors. Such a disappointing outcome against a team like Cape Verde, which Ghana was expected to defeat, led to heightened frustration among the fans.
Emotional Reactions to the Game's Outcome
The reaction from the Ghanaian fans also stems from their emotional investment in the sport. Football is a major part of Ghana's national identity, and the team's performance at international events is a source of national pride.
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The last-minute defeat to Cape Verde, which put Ghana in a difficult position in the tournament, was a significant blow to the fans' hopes and expectations. This intense emotional connection to the game can sometimes lead to extreme reactions, as seen in the attack on Coach Hughton
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