Armed police ‘called in to contain angry journalists’ after Chris Hughton’s Ghana suffer Afcon humiliation
ARMED cops were called in to deal with fuming Ghanaian journalists with the country on the brink of an early Africa Cup of Nations exit.
The Black Stars were leading Mozambique by two goals in stoppage time before an incredible collapse.
Ghana first gave away a penalty and then conceded from a corner in the 94th minute.
Chris Hughton‘s side now need several results to go their way in order to make it through to the knockout stages.
Ghana have failed to win a match at three consecutive Afcons.
With most accepting they are out this year’s tournament, angry journalists went downstairs at Alassane Ouattara Stadium to interrogate the manager and players.
Reporter Saddick Adams claims media workers waited over an hour before suddenly realising the Ghana flops were not going to turn up.
The team bus reportedly “strategically parked at the entrance of the dressing room” with players ready to make a quick escape.
Barricades were then erected to create a path for the Ghana stars to get to the bus.
But the journalists were having none of it, refusing to move and stopping security from bringing the players out their dressing room.
As tempers flared, armed cops were called in to help deal with the situation.
Media staff stood their ground and the players eventually had to walk past them.
The team got booed and “unpleasant words” were exchanged.
Adams insists: “Nobody was ready to harm anyone and nobody vandalised any bus.
“We have tolerated this for far too long. This team was built with the toil and sweat of a few honest and dedicated individuals. We won’t allow a few to destroy it. Today, we will show them our anger.”
After the game, ex-Brighton and Newcastle boss Hughton said: “I take responsibility for this performance and admit my results with the Black Stars have not been good enough.”
Crazy stoppage time comeback…
Ghana looked to be cruising 2-0 up against Mozambique and set to sneak through to the last 16 after losing their first game to Cape Verde and drawing their second with Egypt.
Suddenly, the ref pointed to the spot as the ball hit ex-Prem star Andre Ayew’s outstretched arm.
Geny Catamo converted the spot-kick and then in the 94th minute goalkeeper Richard Ofori made a huge error.
The ball was bouncing out for a goal-kick when he tried to keep the ball in – only for it to hit his hand and go behind for a corner.
It gave Mozambique one last chance to load the box and they were rewarded as Reinildo Mandava’s looping header dropped into the net to break Ghana hearts.