Ghana’s hope of winning their fifth title was dashed after suffering a group phase exit for the second time.

The Black Stars got only two points from a possible nine points after three games.

The Red Star Belgrade winger made two substitute appearances at the tournament, but his mistake in the 2-2 draw against Egypt in Ghana’s second game was a low point.

He was substituted off and did not feature again for the rest of the tournament.

Reflecting on his first AFCON campaign, Bukari rendered an apology to Ghanaians while also admitting his error against Egypt played a role in Ghana’s exit.

“It has taken me quite a number of days to gather the words to address you our dear fans, because of the embarrassment we brought on the nation & the fact that we let you down and our inability to advance to the next stage has hit heavily on me, for I contributed a part in it,” he wrote on social media.

“I would like to render an unqualified apology for the mistakes and assure you that we will come back better and stronger for team and the country. I hope and ask that you forgive us. We live to fight someday. Thank y’all for the encouragement, love and support!!”

Following Ghana’s exit from the ongoing competition in Ivory Coast, Hughton has been sacked by the Ghana Football Association with a committee set up to search for a replacement.

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The Red Star Belgrade winger replaced Inaki Williams in the 73rd minute but Bukari’s brief appearance was marred by a crucial mistake that led to Mostafa Mohamed’s scoring and was substituted in the 89th minute.

Hughton revealed in a post-match statement that, the decision to substitute Bukari was prompted by concerns about the player’s mindset following the pivotal error.

According to him, the coaching staff collectively agreed that withdrawing Bukari was necessary, as they believed the weight of his mistake might negatively impacted his performance.

“Osman Bukari is an exceptional player who has had a commendable season, and we appreciate him both as an individual and a player. After the mistake, emotions can take over, and we sensed that when you’re close on the touchline,” said Chris Hughton in his post-game remarks.

“We observed that the mistake, given the emotional nature of the game, seemed to affect him a bit. Therefore, we made the decision to bring about the change. This is not a personal decision against anyone; we hold him in high regard, and it doesn’t diminish our opinion of him. He’s a fantastic player who will continue to excel,” he added.

Looking ahead, Ghana will now focus on a crucial must-win game against Mozambique, scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024. The match is set to kick off at 20:00 GMT.

European Cup winners themselves in 1991, Red Star threatened a famous win when Osman Bukari put them in front at the end of the first-half.

But City took less than 90 seconds to level after the restart as Alvarez raced onto Erling Haaland’s return pass, rounded Red Star keeper Omri Glazer with a superb piece of deception and squeezed the ball home from a tight angle while still running at full speed.

Glazer spoiled an otherwise superb performance 13 minutes later when he went to punch Alvarez’s free-kick away from danger but instead got only the faintest touch on the ball which did not divert it away from the far corner.

Rodri’s last European goal was the historic effort than secured the trophy against Inter Milan in June. The Spain midfielder ensured City took a successful first step towards this season’s final at Wembley by scoring their third as he advanced unchecked into the Red Star box and guided a precise shot into the bottom corner.

The hosts deserved their win – by the final whistle they had amassed 77% possession and had an incredible 37 shots to Red Star’s three.

The fast-rising Ghana winger powered the Red and Whites to their 34th league victory scoring his first on the stroke of halftime.

Osman scored twice in the second half to complete a historic hat trick that aided Red Star Belgrade to retain their title.

The visitors were in the lead thanks to Ifet Dakovac’s early penalty kick, but Burkari levelled the score just before halftime.

The fast forward handed Red Star the lead at the hour mark just a few minutes after they had levelled the score, and Guelor Kanga increased it eight minutes later.

Bukari sealed the victory with 15 minutes remaining to help Red Star Belgrade successfully defend their league title.

The former Accra Lions player has been in outstanding form ever since joining the Serbian powerhouses during the summer transfer window. He had scored a hat trick twice for the group.

Bukari has currently scored 11 goals in the league in 25 games for the team.

In the matchday four games of the qualifiers, Ghana were hosted at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.

Having defeated the Palancas Negras in the matchday three games by a lone goal at the Baba Yara Stadium last week, the Black Stars were hoping to keep their perfect run in the qualifiers intact.

Chris Hughton dropped Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams in his starting XI for the clash and named an unfamiliar side for the game.

Kingsley Schindler, who replaced injured Tariq Lamptey was handed a debut game.

Ghana started the game on a good note and dominated the game in the early hours of the first half.

Angola came close to breaking the deadlock but Ati Zigi kept the team in the game to end the first half goalless.

After recess, Angola broke the deadlock after they were awarded a penalty. Lucas Joao converted the spot kick in the 51st minute to put the side ahead.

Chris Hughton made substitution by bringing off Kamaldeen Sulemana, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Edmund Addo and bringing on Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, Osman Bukari and Majeed Ashimeru.

In a space of less than a minute, Osman Bukari, who plays for Red Star Belgrade connected Paintsil’s cross to find the back of the net to make it 1-1.

Inaki failed to connect Samed Salis’ cross to put Ghana ahead.

The Black Stars kept pushing and came close to double their lead after KRC Genk forward, Joseph Paintsil struck the crossbar in the 87th minute.

After 90 minutes of an entertaining game, the game ended 1-1.

Ghana remain at the top of the group with eight points, followed by Central African Republic, who moved to second after back-to-back wins over Madagascar.

Angola drop to third with five points, while Madagascar are out of the race for qualification.

Chris Hughton has now recorded a win and draw in his first two games played as Black Stars coach.

Ghana will take on Madagascar and the Central African Republic in the final round of the qualifiers.

The Red Star Belgrade winger reduced Ghana’s deficit in the 89th minute but stole the headlines after he released the iconic ‘suii’ celebration in front of him.

However, the Portuguese forward, who was subbed a minute earlier, didn’t look impressed after the cameras panned on him.

Bukari has posted on social media: “I have noticed my celebration today has generated comments claiming I was disrespectful towards Ronaldo. This is incorrect. I was overcome by the emotion of the moment of scoring for my country on my World Cup debut leading to my celebration. My upbringing doesn’t permit me to be disrespectful to elders let alone one of my idols. Thanks for your support and we focus on our next game!”