Last-Minute Decision Looms: Will Kudus Feature in Ghana’s Must-Win AFCON Match?

Ghana coach Chris Hughton is facing a nail-biting wait to determine the availability of star midfielder Mohammed Kudus for Thursday’s crucial clash against Egypt in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kudus, dealing with a hamstring issue, missed the opening match where Ghana suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde, intensifying the pressure on the Black Stars to secure a victory against the seven-time champions.

The West Ham sensation, who observed the disappointing loss from the stands, had a remarkable season, scoring 10 goals since his transfer from Ajax for over 40 million euros.

Despite Kudus’ stellar performances, Coach Hughton expressed uncertainty about the player’s participation, emphasizing the importance of fielding a strong lineup to revive Ghana’s qualification hopes.

Hughton defended his decision, acknowledging Kudus’ late arrival in the squad’s preparation for the tournament. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, the coach revealed, “We will continue to assess Mohammed Kudus. He has trained the last few days. We will assess him today and tomorrow and make a decision tomorrow.”

This scenario triggers concerns about history repeating itself, reminiscent of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where an injury forced Kudus to miss the entire tournament.

If Kudus sits out the game against Egypt and potential subsequent matches, and if Ghana fails to qualify, the star midfielder could face a prolonged wait of at least two more years for his AFCON debut.

The outcome of Kudus’ last-minute decision will undoubtedly have a profound impact on Ghana’s AFCON journey, adding an extra layer of suspense and anticipation to the upcoming match against Egypt.

Coach Hughton and the Black Stars’ fans are anxiously awaiting the verdict, hoping for Kudus’ triumphant return to the field and a successful campaign in the tournament.