Hughton Shields Goalkeeper Ofori

Head Coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton has defended his decision to maintain Richard Ofori as the number one goalkeeper for the team over Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joojo Wollacot.

The defence comes after he conceded an injury-time header from a corner to level up the scoreline between Ghana and Mozambique in their last Group games of the Nations Cup tournament.

The goal which many believe was poorly conceded, has left many wondering about the decision to bench the best goalkeeper in the Swiss topflight league for the 2022/23 season, Ati-Zigi.

In his defence, Hughton said Ofori had kept some clean sheets in the past games and forms part of the difficult decisions technical team has to make.

“Richard Ofori in the three games we played made important saves. There is adjustment always,” he told the press.

Ghana converted two penalties in both halves to take the lead in their last group game against Mozambique.

However, the Mambas came from behind to draw against the Black Stars after winning a penalty sanctioned by substitute Andre Ayew in 90+1 minutes and converting a corner three minutes later.

Ghana are now third on the league table with little chance of qualifying with two points in three games. Meanwhile, Group B leaders Cape Verde and Egypt have qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana lost to Cape Verde in their first and drew against Egypt in their second.