Ghana coach Chris Hughton has admitted that his team could have done better in their performance against the Central African Republic in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.

Trailing to Louis Mafouta’s first-half goal in Kumasi, the Black Stars were staring elimination in the face but West Ham United’s new signing Mohammed Kudus stepped up to curl home a vital free-kick just before the break to level the scores.

The Black Stars completed the turnaround late on when substitute Ernest Nuamah tapped home to make it 2-1.

Speaking after the game, Hughton admitted that his team’s enthusiasm was low from the start of the game, despite being pleased with the victory. “I think we showed a good level today. In the end, we could have been more comfortable,” adding: “We could have played better in the first half but sometimes you have to wait for the game to open up.”

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The victory saw Ghana top Group E, with Angola joining them in qualifying after a 0-0 draw with Madagascar. The results meant the Central African Republic finished third despite leading just before half-time of the game in Kumasi

They will be devastated to miss out on a first-ever Nations Cup appearance after being ahead at half-time. But Chris Hughton’s Ghana side ultimately got the job done to book their place at next year’s finals in Cote d’Ivoire.