During the March international break, Chris Hughton took over his first two games as Black Stars head coach, when Ghana played Angola in a 2023 African Nations Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification doubleheader.

The following list of five discussion topics from the games versus  Angola:

In the end, Baba Rahman could be our best left-back.


The FC Reading player sustained an injury and was unable to play for Ghana against Angola in the doubleheader. Gideon Mensah had another chance to build a claim for that starting position, but he blew it. Baba Rahman appears to have sealed down the starting place after two disappointing performances in Kumasi and Luanda when he struggled both defensively and offensively. Supporters were let down by Mensah's performance, so it won't come as a surprise if Chris Hughton continues to use the dependable Rahman after his injury recovery.

Jordan Ayew: The coach's ideal player


Jordan Ayew's situation is quite intriguing. His playing style doesn't always exhibit the characteristics of a strong attacker, which has given supporters an erroneous impression of him. Yet, if you've been a mainstay in the Premier League for the past eight years with various teams and coaches, there must be some really high value in you.

The Crystal Palace player was used by Chris Hughton in both of the games against Angola, which further demonstrated why he has been a reliable part of the black stars lineup for years. Throughout the two games, Jordan displayed a range of abilities that are typically not seen in wingers. But, his brief appearance as the number 10 during the closing 15 minutes of the second leg in Luanda was what really made him famous and respected. It was nice to watch him connect play and comprehend the role that had been foreign to him during his professional career.

There is a future for Andre Ayew.

When Angola was the opponent in the second game, Andre Ayew was injured and was unable to play. The Black Stars captain, who is nearing the end of a great career, has consistently been a key contributor to the team's goals. You anticipate the squad to suffer to some level when a player of his caliber is missing. The group, nevertheless, appeared to carry on without him just well. Both teams' drive and "never give up" mentality to dig deep and score goals show that other players are competent and ready to step up in crucial situations. The signals are positive, especially given the range of team members who have an immediate effect on the match

The team has charisma.


The team's attitude had some serious faults that were exposed throughout the World Cup. The Black Stars were seen to decompose when under pressure and concede many goals in short periods during the tournament. Yet in these two games versus Angola, three months after the World Cup, the team's display of mental tenacity was a pinnacle. In front of a frustrated, full crowd in the first leg against Angola, they persevered and continued to look for the go-ahead goal. After Luanda fell behind by one goal, there was a noticeable difference in mindset, and the players seized ownership and came up with a well-executed equalizer. Small steps, but the indications are positive.

The squad features quality players.

A strong bench is a sign of a solid team, and Chris Hughton's squad made this point clear. Antoine Semenyo finally scored the game's game-winner with seconds remaining after Abdul Salis Samed and Antoine Semenyo were introduced during the first leg in Kumasi. The entrance of Inaki Williams, Majeed Ashimeru, Joseph Painstil, and Osman Bukari gave Ghana much more offensive vigor in Luanda, and they combined masterfully for the equalizer. It became clear that the Black Stars don't have a perfect starting lineup; instead, they have a talented group of players who, depending on the task, can perform well anytime they are called upon.