Ghana coach Chris Hughton has opened up on why he left captain Andre Ayew on the bench against Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ayew warmed the bench when Ghana inflicted a 1-0 win over Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday.
It was the first win for the Black Stars since the 2022 World Cup defeat to Uruguay in December 2022.
Antoine Semenyo's last-gasp winner ensured the Black Stars returned to winning ways under new coach Chris Hughton.
After the game, Hughton acknowledged Andre Ayew’s qualities but said it was his decision to bench him in the encounter.
"This is the choice you have as a head coach," Hughton said during a post-match conference.
"You know the quality that Andre has, you also know the quality that I like to think the squad have...so these are very difficult decisions for me; certainly nothing to read into that. He is, has been and is still a very good player it was just my choice."
The Black Stars of Ghana are edging close to qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The four-time African champions has now opened a three-point lead on second place Central African Republic.
The Black Stars will travel to Luanda on Monday for the second leg of the double-header, knowing a win will seal early qualification.