Beleaguered Ghana manager Chris Hughton narrowly avoided being assaulted by a disgruntled fan outside the team hotel following his side’s shock loss to minnows Cape Verde in the African Cup of Nations.

Hughton, who was also verbally abused by fans, has come under considerable pressure from Ghana fans after an apparent downturn in the team’s form. Prior to their loss against Cape Verde, they were beaten by Comoros in a World Cup qualifier.

Reflecting on the loss, Hughton, a former Premier League manager with Newcastle United, Brighton and Norwich City, said: “We are incredibly, hugely disappointed with the result. We came into the game with a game plan.

“We changed the way of playing, the system a bit so that we could start on the front foot.

“We thought the team that was put out was certainly a more offensive team. This was our intention.

“I think it rocked us the (first) goal that we conceded but I thought we got back into the game.

“When we equalised, it looked like we could go on and win it. We are hugely, hugely disappointed with our result.

“And I know, and this group of players also know, how the Ghanaian people see this game, see this tournament and our expectations going into this one.”

Since taking charge of Ghana in March last year Hughton’s record is just four wins in 11 games.

Ghana will look to get their campaign back on track against Egypt on Thursday.