Chris Hughton explains why Andre Ayew was left on the bench against Angola

Chris Hughton has moved to explain the reason why his captain, Andre Ayew was left on the bench during Thursday’s game against Angola.

The Irishman began his job as Black Stars coach with a goal victory over the Black Antelopes without his skipper, Andre Ayew.

In Thursday’s game, Ghana had appeared to be heading for a frustrating goalless draw in the Ashanti Regional capital but Antoine Semenyo, who came in as a substitute during the 70th minute for Jordan Ayew saved the day with a last minute strike, securing Chris Hughton’s side a vital win over Angola.

However, Andre Ayew was left on the bench but the 64-year-old tactician has made it clear that his decision forms part of the choices coaches make in their job.

“This is the choice you have as a head coach. You know the quality that Andre has you also know the quality that I like to think the squad have…so these are very difficult decisions for me; certainly nothing to read into that. He is, has been and is still a very good player it was just my choice,” Chris Hughton stated during a post-match conference.

Ghana will travel to play the return leg on Monday. The Black Stars currently rank first in Group E with 7 points in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.