“It had an impact on my form” – Mohammed Kudus reflects on Ghana’s 2023 AFCON setback

Ghanaian football prodigy Mohammed Kudus has opened up about how the disappointment of Ghana’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) affected his recent performance for West Ham United.

Kudus, who was expected to play a pivotal role for the Black Stars at the AFCON tournament, experienced disappointment as Ghana failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Upon his return from the tournament held in Cote d’Ivoire, Kudus struggled to find his rhythm at West Ham United, taking five matches to contribute to a goal.

Despite the setback, Kudus has showcased his talent with 11 goals and 4 assists in 34 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions this season.

Reflecting on the impact of the AFCON disappointment on his form, Kudus admitted, “As human beings, we need some time to shake stuff off. I was injured before Afcon and had to put all my effort into being there to help the team. It was my first Afcon and it didn’t go as planned.”

He continued, “When you go back straight into playing nobody ever gives you time to change gear. It had an impact because it was a big disappointment.”

Kudus scored two goals in his maiden Africa Cup of Nations which was held in Ivory Coast.