I didn’t bring Chris Hughton to coach Ghana – Gabby Otchere-Darko

Gabby Otchere-Darko who happens to be a leading member of the ruling Government, New Patriotic Party(NPP), has distanced himself from reports claiming he introduced Chris Hughton to be named Ghana coach.

Chris Hughton last two months, February appointed the former Newcastle United FC trainer as replacement of Otto Addo. He was a member of the Black Stars team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar where he played the role of technical advisor.

Multiple reports, has it that the astute lawyer Darko was influential in the appointment of the former Tottenham Hotspur manager following the departure of Otto Addo.

But he has refuted in an interview with Asempa FM, and insisted that the Ghana Football Association [GFA] made the call on Chris Hughton.

He also noted his relationship with Chris Hughton, explaining that they are good friends despite their support for rival clubs in England.

“Chris Hughton was brought by the Ghana Football Association not me. Chris and I have been good friends for a long time. He is a Tottenham fan and I am an Arsenal fan. President is a Tottenham fan and I’m an Arsenal but we are good friends. These things happen because God works in mysterious ways of putting strange people together.

“Chris is the choice of the GFA and I think that it I a good decision. When there is a vacancy anywhere, people lobby and at the time, most people thought he deserved the job. GFA also needed someone who knew the team,” he said.

Chris Hughton has signed a year and half contract as head coach of the Black Stars.

He begun his duty last month, winning his debut game against Angola in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifier before holding the Palancas Negras to a 1-1 drawn game in Luanda in the return game in the qualifiers.

Chris Hughton will hope to steer the side to end the country’s 41 years trophyless jinx in Ivory Coast next year in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.


Story Kolog Bonaventure