Medeama SC goalkeeper Felix Kyei has revealed the behind-the-scenes particulars of his exclusion from Ghana’s last squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Regardless of his excellent performances within the Ghana Premier League and being extensively recognised as one of many nation’s most promising younger goalkeepers, Kyei was in the end omitted from the match roster.
The choice got here instantly from then-Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton, who personally referred to as Kyei to clarify the scenario.
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Hughton had initially included Kyei on the standby record for the match however later opted to exclude him from the ultimate travelling squad.
What did the coach inform him?
In a revealing interview with Medeama FM, Kyei disclosed the precise dialog he had with Hughton about his exclusion.
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We had been about to leave for Ivory Coast for AFCON, and on the similar time, I had a match in Tamale with Medeama
In the future, I obtained a name from Coach Chris Hughton. He praised my performances and inspired me to maintain working exhausting. He informed me I used to be on the standby record and can be invited if there have been any unlucky incidents.
Why was Richard Ofori chosen as a substitute?
In line with Kyei, Hughton revealed that the choice was influenced by elements past simply goalkeeping potential.
The coach cited Richard Ofori’s expertise, management qualities, and the potential for the match to function a profession revival alternative for the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper.
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Hughton informed me that if he needed to drop any goalkeeper, it will have been Ofori.
However due to Ofori’s management and different causes, together with serving to him regain his confidence and use the match as a springboard to discover a new membership, he needed to embrace him
This admission means that Hughton personally rated Kyei’s present kind larger than Ofori’s however was overruled by broader group issues and probably strain from the technical group.
How did Kyei reply?
Regardless of what should have been a crushing disappointment, Kyei demonstrated exceptional maturity in his response to the coach’s resolution.
His response confirmed the professionalism that has marked his rise by Ghana’s soccer ranks.
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It was Christmas, and Hughton wished me effectively. I informed him I had no downside together with his resolution since he is the top coach and is aware of what’s greatest for the group. It is regular—something can occur throughout a nationwide group call-up.
What occurred on the match?
The choice to prioritise expertise over kind in the end backfired for Ghana.
The Black Stars carried out poorly on the 2023 AFCON, crashing out on the group stage in what was thought-about one among their worst match performances in latest reminiscence.
The disappointing marketing campaign led on to Chris Hughton’s dismissal as head coach.
