The Black Stars’ coach Chris Hughton insists winger Osman Bukari gifting a goal in the 2-2 draw with Egypt at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Thursday, January 18, does not make him a bad player. The Red Star Belgrade player who scored against Portugal at the 2022 World Cup replaced Inaki Williams, whose poor back pass resulted in the first goal for the Pharaohs. Bukari also gifted the Egyptians their second goal in the 74th minute as he moved the ball into his own penalty box under pressure, only for Mahmoud Trezeguet to steal the ball and set up Mostafa Mohammed to score. ALSO READ: AFCON 2023: Ghana, a toothless bulldog relying on past glories A dejected Bukari who had come into the game in the 73rd minute was again subbed off by Chris Hughton in the 89th minute as the game ended 2-2. After he made the mistake, the emotions were getting the better of him. So, these are the decisions you have to make as a head coach,” Hughton told reporters. Hughton reiterated that one mistake cannot make Bukari a bad player as he remains one of his key men in the Black Stars set up. “This doesn’t in any way make me think anything different about Osman Bukari. He is a wonderful player and a wonderful individual and this is how we will continue to see him,” he added. Ghana will face Mozambique on Monday, January 22, in a must win game to stand a chance of making it to the round of 16.
