Ghana midfielder Joseph Paintsil has refuted claims he was substituted in the game against Mozambique because he looked tired.

The winger was taken off at halftime during Ghana's embarrassing 2-2 draw with Mozambique in their final group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Black Stars headed into the game needing a win to stand a good chance of progressing to the knockout stage for the first time since 2019.

Despite going two goals clear of Mozambique for the majority part of the game, Ghana succumbed to a late collapse as they conceded in additional time to settle for a draw which leaves them on the brink of elimination.

Paintsil's substitution came as a surprise to many but head coach Chris Hughton revealed the player was replaced by Andre Ayew at halftime as he looked "fatigued."

However, the Genk midfielder brushed off the excuse given by the Irish trainer as he reacted at the end of the game.

In a video circulating on social media where the player was told the reason behind his substitution a disappointed Paintsil quizzed, "What fatigue?"

“What fatigue?”

Joseph Paintsil is not happy with Chris Hughton’s explanation for taking him off at half time for Andre Ayew.#JoyAFCON | #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/byNHy4X8b3

— #JoyAFCON (@JoySportsGH) January 23, 2024

Paintsil did not complete 90 minutes in any of Ghana's group games and was a surprise omission in the starting lineup for the Black Stars game against Egypt.