Ghanaian midfielder Joseph Paintsil has dismissed claims that he was substituted due to fatigue during the 2-2 draw against Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Paintsil was taken off at halftime in a surprising move during a crucial game for the Black Stars.
Despite Ghana's initial lead, the team faced a late collapse, settling for a draw and leaving their AFCON fate uncertain.
Head coach Chris Hughton had explained that Paintsil was substituted because he looked “fatigued.”
In response to this explanation, Paintsil expressed his disbelief, stating, “What fatigue?” The midfielder, who did not complete a full 90 minutes in any of Ghana's group games, expressed his disappointment at the reasoning behind his substitution.
Paintsil's denial raises questions about the decision-making process during the critical match and adds to the scrutiny surrounding Ghana's performance in the tournament.