I would love to win games far more comfortably – Chris Hughton

Ghana’s Black Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Madagascar in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday. Inaki Williams’ late header proved decisive, earning a crucial win for the Black Stars.

Following the match, Ghana coach Chris Hughton expressed his desire for more comfortable victories, acknowledging the stress associated with late wins. He emphasized the importance of converting chances more efficiently and improving attacking prowess.

“I would love to win games far more comfortably,” Hughton remarked during the post-match press conference. “It makes life far less stressful, for sure.”

Hughton highlighted the ongoing efforts to build a cohesive team, seeking the right balance between experienced players and emerging talents.

“I think we are building something, so we are trying to get the right combination in the team,” he explained. “There are still areas in the team that we are trying to strengthen, the balance between the experienced players and the group of young players coming through.”

The victory over Madagascar marked the third time in Hughton’s four wins as coach where the Black Stars secured a late goal to seal the win, with similar occurrences against Angola and the Central African Republic, all in Kumasi.

Looking ahead, Ghana faces table leaders Comoros on Tuesday, November 21, at the Stade de Moroni. The Black Stars aim to strengthen their position in Group I as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.

Analysis:

Ghana’s hard-fought victory against Madagascar showcased the team’s fighting spirit and resilience. However, coach Chris Hughton’s desire for more comfortable victories underscores the need for improvement in the team’s attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.

Despite possessing a strong attacking lineup with players like Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, and Felix Afena-Gyan, Ghana has struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities in recent matches. Additionally, conceding late goals in three of their last four matches raises concerns about the team’s defense.

For a successful qualifying campaign, Hughton must address these attacking and defensive issues, ensuring a more balanced and effective performance from the Black Stars.