AFCON 2023: Joseph Paintsil Refutes Chris Hughton's Reasons For Substituting Him In Mozambique Game

• Joseph Paintsil says he was not fatigued in the Blak Stars vs Mozambique game before his substitution in the second half
• His claim contradicts an earlier claim by the team's coach Chris Hughton that he effected the substitution because the midfielder needed some rest
• Hughton replaced Paintsil, one of the best performers, with Dede Ayew at the start of the second half of the 2-2 draw with Mozambique

Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil has refuted claims by Ghana coach Chris Hughton that he [the player] was fatigued in the game against Mozambique.

The Black Stars faced the Mambas in their last group game of AFCON 2023 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe on Monday, January 22.

Needing a win to stay in the competition, Ghana could only get a draw after throwing away a two-goal lead.

Read also

Prophet Fire Ogya rightly predicted the outcome of Ghana's match; video goes viral

Chris Hughton criticised for substitution of Joseph Paintsil

At the start of the second half, Chris Hughton substituted Joseph Paintsil for Captain Dede Ayew. The attacking midfielder had been one of the brightest spots of Ghana's team, winning the penalty that was converted by Jordan Ayew to end the first half 1-0.

Hughton's decision has been highly criticised after Dede Ayew conceded a penalty that was converted for Mozambique's first goal.

Addressing the press, the Ghana coach defended his decision to substitute the KRC Genk midfielder. According to him, he felt Paintsil was fatigued and needed a rest.

Joseph Paintsil denies Chris Hughton's reasons for his substitution

But Paintsil has come to refute the suggestion by Hughton that he was fatigued and needed some rest.

In a video after the game, the player, when asked about the issue of him being fatigued, hissed before retorting, "which fatigue?"

Read also

Chris Hughton gives strange explanation behind Paintsil- Ayew substitution

Eagle Prophet prophesies about Black Stars vs Mozambique game

Prior to the game, God's Crown Chapel founder, Eagle Prophet, was not optimistic about the Black Stars' chances against Mozambique.

In a video, Eagle Prophet stated the Mozambique team could score five against the Black Stars because their team is backed by a marine spirit, while Ghana's team is spiritless.

Source: YEN.com.gh