Coach Chris Hughton opens up on Thomas Partey’s absence from Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola

Head coach for the Black Stars, Chris Hughton has explained why Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey did not feature in Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola.

Ghana came from behind to pick a draw against the Black Antelopes on Matchday 4 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as Osman Bukari climbed off the bench to equalize for the Black Stars at the 11 Novembro stadium in Luanda.

The Red Star Belgrade forward took less than a minute to make his presence felt after connecting a delicious cross from Joseph Painstil in the 72nd minute to cancel Lucas Joao’s 51st minute strike from the penalty spot.

Thomas Partey was expected to lead the squad as the skipper for the second leg following Andre Ayew’s absence but he was among the players who were dropped from the starting line-up.

Ghana made four changes to the squad that beat the Angola national team 1-0 in Kumasi four days ago as Kingsley Schindler, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Samed Salis and Antoine Semenyo started ahead of Denis Odoi, Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams.

Speaking to the press after the game, the Irishman disclosed that the key midfielder was left on the bench due to a minor injury.

“Thomas has a small injury issue and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him,” Chris Hughton shortly stated.

Ghana lead Group E with 8 points after four matches following two wins and two draws.

The Black Stars will host Central African Republic and travel to Madagascar in the final two matches in Group E.