Ghana Head Coach Charles Akonnor says he saw an improvement in his team’s play despite a slim margin defeat to Sudan.
The Black Stars lost narrowly to the Falcons of Jediane in an AFCON 2021 qualifier played in Omdurman.
A last gasp goal scored by Sudanese attacker Mohammed Abdulrahman was enough to break Ghanaian hearts and hand Sudan a crucial win.
The reaction from football footballers in Ghana has been that of disappointment at what was a listless display and a poor result for Stars gaffer, Akonnor who was handed the job early this year.
However, reacting to the defeat in a post match interview, the former National team captain chose to focus on some positives he noticed about his side.
“I think in all we did well, we lost to a team that showed more hunger than us,” Akonnor noted.
“If I look at the way we played in Ghana, and the way we played here, I feel there is a bit of improvement in terms of containing pressure and all that,” he added.
Ghana played the game without the services of first choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori and captain Andre Ayew due to suspension and injury respectively.
Aside that, key players Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus were also missing due to injuries.
In as much as the coach acknowledges the role played by those tasked to step in as replacements, he believes the absence of these key figures in his setup impacted on his team’s chances.
“Those who had the chance to play did their part but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for us to carry the day.
“Of course we played without many key players, the likes of the captain (Andre Ayew), Kudus and other people. And so looking at all this, I believe that we did well,” he concluded.
Ghana, with three wins out of four games still sit top of their qualifying group tied on points with second placed South Africa.
Sudan trail the two teams by 3 points occupying the third spot while Sao Tome and Principe are without a point so far.
The defeat to Sudan leaves open the teams likely to qualify from the group to next year’s AFCON tournament.
The Black Stars have two games to play, at home to whipping boys Sao Tome as well as a trip to face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
