Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton, has revealed Thomas Partey did not play against Angola in Luanda due to precautionary measures.

The midfielder, following Andre Ayew’s withdrawal from the squad, was expected to captain Ghana in the second leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola away from home. 

However, the Arsenal midfielder was not named in the starting line-up by Hughton in what was a surprising message for many Ghanaians.

At a point where the team also looked to be in need of a leader on the pitch, Partey was not called upon and played no part as the Black Stars came from a goal down to salvage a point. 

Speaking after the game, Hughton revealed the rationale behind Partey’s no show against the Palencas Negras. 

“Thomas [Partey] has some small injury issues and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him,” told the media. 

Partey put out arguably one of his best performances for the Black Stars in the 1-0 win over Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, March 24. 

The draw in Luanda now means Ghana maintain their lead at the top of Group E with just a point separating them and the Central African Republic.