After firing blanks in Afcon, Ghana’s Iñaki Williams fires Athletic past Barcelona

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Iñaki Williams was a used substitute on Monday, January 22 when Ghana crumbled in the last minute against Mozambique at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

In that game, Mozambique scored two stoppage-time penalties to salvage a 2-2 draw, with the South African nation condemning The Black Stars to an early exit from the tournament, having amassed a meagre two points.

But this game was just but a culmination of what was a tournament to forget for Ghana, with Iñaki Williams and his team-mates scoring blanks in Ivory Coast.

After the dismal performance and subsequent elimination, Iñaki raced back to Spain on Wednesday morning, with the hope of making it on time to play for Athletic Club against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

Indeed, Iñaki made it to the match day squad, albeit on the bench.

Iñaki William’s impact

But in the 59th minute, Coach Ernesto Valverde brought in Iñaki, and the rest is history.

He scored to give Athletic Bilbao the lead over Barcelona in extra time.

He did not stop there, Iñaki went on to assist his younger brother (Nico Williams) to extend their lead to 4:2.

“(Iñaki) is a phenomenon, he’s one of the souls of the team and he showed it again,” Athletic defender Dani Vivian heaped praise on him.

Iñaki Williams celebrates with his team-mates after scoring an extra time winner against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quaterfinals on Wednesday, January 24. PHOTO | alvaro Barrientos -AP

Ghana fire coach

Back home, the Ghana Football Association has since fired Coach Chris Hughton.

“The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the senior National team with immediate effect,” the federation said in a statement, adding that the Executive Council had also taken a decision to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars.

The Ghana Football Association, after firing Hughton (pictured), said it will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars. PHOTO | The Ghana Football Federation

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