Hughton: We need to be a little more clinical

by Staff Reporter

Friday Mar 24, 2023. 11:02

New Ghana head coach Chris Hughton has challenged his players to be more clinical in front of goal after kicking off his tenure with a dominant 1-0 win over Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday.

The Black Stars created 11 chances in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Black Antelopes but had to wait until the 96th minute to secure victory through substitute Antoine Semenyo.

Hughton’s side went three points clear at the top of Group E, with the Central African Republic overtaking the Angolans into second place after beating Madagascar 3-0 later that same day.

Hughton was pleased with the amount of opportunities carved out by the West Africans in his first game in charge and has urged them to be more efficient in the return leg at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Monday.

“We’ve had 11 chances so that’s the first positive,” the Brit said after the match. “If you were telling me that we played 96 minutes and we only had two or three chances then that’s worrying but the fact that we have had chances you always know… come the next game or next game after, you’re going to put some of the chances away.

“The only thing we learned is that we need to be a little more clinical when we have the opportunities.”

Semenyo stepped off the bench to score his second goal in seven appearances for the Black Stars and was just thrilled to play his part despite having yet to start for his country.

“If I am not selected I make sure when am on the bench and am coming on, I make sure am ready I have warmed up well and I make sure am effective for the team,” he said.

“I always want to be useful when am starting or on the bench as a goal scorer so am happy today.”