Footage Shows Angry Ghanaian Fans Hurling Expletives At Coach Chris Hughton After Cape Verde Defeat

• Ghana coach Chris Hughton and his players experienced the full wrath of fans
• Fans registered their displeasure with the team after their loss to Cape Verde
• One of the angry fans was reportedly arrested for 'attacking' the head coach

The opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations proved disappointing for the Black Stars of Ghana, as they suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14 at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny.

Garry Rodrigues' late strike led to one of the major upsets in the ongoing AFCON, leaving Ghana at the bottom of Group B after match day one.

To provide context, Ghana has struggled in its recent AFCON performances, winning just one in the last 10 games at the continental showpiece.

Defeat to the Blue Sharks means the four-time African champions have won only one of its last five opening group games, which was against Uganda in 2017.

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The 2-1 loss did not sit well with the majority of the Ghanaian fanbase present at the stadium, who had shown strong support for the team prior to the match.

Unfortunately, the Black Stars failed to reciprocate the enthusiasm on the field and conceded a late goal, causing frustration among the fans.

Fans blast 'sorry' Black Stars

Post-game, a segment of the supporters expressed their displeasure, directing their frustration at head coach Chris Hughton and the players.

In a video circulating on social media, fans were seen hurling expletives at the coach and the team.

Did a fan attack Ghana coach?

Contrary to reports of a fan being arrested for allegedly attacking Hughton, sports journalist Muftawu Nabila refuted these claims.

Nabila clarified, in a post on X (formerly called Twitter) that the purported fan was escorted out of the team's hotel lobby and denied any physical attack on the coach.

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“The fan approached the coach to express his disappointment at the outcome of the game and told the coach to improve or leave the job,” said the Ghana team media officer Henry Asante via the Guardian.

“It was a verbal confrontation. There was no physical contact. Later he was taken away by the security.”

Ghana's defeat among major upsets at AFCON

Sports Brief also reported that over the past five editions of AFCON, we've witnessed some of the tournament's most remarkable upsets. Here are a few notable ones from the last five AFCON tournaments.

In the initial matches, teams, particularly the smaller and less fancied ones, have shown great determination, giving the favourites a challenging time.

The Black Stars entered this tournament with a lot to demonstrate, but unfortunately, they couldn't overcome the initial obstacle. Cape Verde outperformed Ghana, rightfully securing their victory.