Ghana coach, Chris Hughton has explained why Thomas Partey was benched in the Black Stars game against Angola at Luanda in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers on Monday, March 27, 2023.[ads2]
The Arsenal midfielder failed to make a single minute despite showcasing an amazing performance in the first game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi last Thursday.
Partey who was the skipper for the Black Stars against Angola in Kumasi made a huge contribution to help Ghana defeat the Central African country by a goal to nil kind courtesy a late strike from Antoine Semenyo.[ads3]
With many expecting the midfield dynamo to lead the Black Stars against Angola in Luanda, coach Chris Hughton gave Ghanaians a shock of their lives by benching him for Abdul Salis Samed who started the first game from the bench.
READ:2023 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana rally from behind to draw with Angola
Even though the Black Stars managed to return home with a point after Osman Bukari netted the equalizer, Ghanaians were in a state of dilemma as to why Thomas Partey sat at the bench throughout the ninety minutes.[ads4]
Explaining his reason for benching the deputy Black Stars skipper, Chris Hughton said, “Thomas [Partey] has some small issues, he has some small injury issues and we felt it was too big a risk to start him,” said the Black Stars coach after the game.”
Meanwhile, the one-all stalemate means Ghana lead the group E table with eight points after four matches while Central African Republic sit second with seven points after beating Madagascar by 2:0 on Monday afternoon.[ads5]