Ghana winger Joseph Paintsil has spoken out about being taken off at halftime during Ghana’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their final group match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Genk winger was conspicuously taken off at the break and Andre Ayew was brought on for the second half.
The 25-year-old was one of Ghana’s bright spots in the first half and won the penalty that led to Ghana’s opening goal.
When the team went into the break, Paintsil didn’t come back with them. In the midst of the chaos, he was asked why he was taken off by journalists friends, he asked, “What fatigue,” when it was said to him that he was subbed off because of fatigue.
See the video below:
Background
The Black Stars gave away a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 on Monday night at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe and are on the verge of exiting the tournament.
Ghana is currently third in Group B and out of the four best teams placed third in contention for qualification to the round of 16.
Ghana took the lead through Jordan Ayew’s penalties in the first and second halves but chaotic four minutes of added time meant the Black Stars are on the brink of exit as they await all group games to be played by Wednesday before their fate will be confirmed.
Richard Ofori gave away a silly corner that was going out for a goal kick but Ofori decided to touch it.
Mozambique took advantage and scored the equaliser from the corner to finish the game 2-2 draw.