Ghana’s hopes of qualifying from the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were dimed after they were held at home to a 0-0 stalemate by lowly-ranked Namibia.
Fans were dissatisfied with the match at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium and began to doubt the team’s prospects of going far in the competition.
On their home pitch, Namibia, one of the lower-ranked teams going into the AFCON, frustrated the four-time African champions by making it difficult for the Black Stars to create clear-cut opportunities.
After losing to Mexico, the United States, and Comoros and winning just one against Madagascar in their five games under coach Chris Hughton, Ghana’s record now stands at just one win in five.
Ghana supporters were especially worried about the goalless draw against Namibia, as it was the team’s fifth goalless game under Hughton. The Black Stars had a terrible first half; they got a little better after the half, but not enough to win the match.
The second half saw some encouraging adjustments from Hughton, but Namibia held on for a draw, leaving Ghanaians disappointed.
Prior to their first Group B match against Cape Verde on January 14, worries are mounting since the team is still finding it difficult to play aggressive football.
In the group stage, Black Stars will also face Egypt, the seven-time African champions, before finishing against Mozambique.