AFCON qualifiers: Chris Hughton explains why Thomas Partey was benched in Angola clash

The head coach of the Ghana national team, Chris Hughton has opened up on why midfielder Thomas Partey did not feature in the game against Angola on Monday evening.

The name of the Arsenal star was missing from the starting eleven of the Black Stars before kick-off in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match today.

This left many Ghanaians questioning why coach Chris Hughton will take such a decision.

In his post-match press conference, Coach Chris Hughton explained that it was because Thomas Partey had a small issue with injury.

“Thomas has a small injury issue & we felt it was too big of a risk to start him,” the Black Stars head coach said.

In his absence, Ghana managed to fight to draw 1-1 with Angola at the end of 90 minutes.

Courtesy of the result, the Black Stars are still top of the Group E standings of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.