West Ham fan travels 4000 miles to Ghana to watch Mohammed Kudus play in AFCON qualifier

A West Ham travelled all the way to Ghana to watch Mohammed Kudus feature in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic

On Thursday evening Ghana cemented their place in next year’s AFCON, finishing top of Group E on 12 points courtesy of a 2-1 victory over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

The Central African Republic took an early lead through stand-in skipper Louis Mafouta, with Raoul Savoy’s side needing a win to have a chance of making next January’s tournament.

However, West Ham’s new signing Kudus equalised for Ghana just before halftime and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo set up the winner, dispossessing the visiting defence and unselfishly squaring the ball for the 19-year-old Ernest Nuamah to net from close range.

While fans across Ghana will be rejoicing after the Black Stars' victory, one West Ham supporter will feel particularly vindicated having travelling from the UK to watch the game, which took place in the Ashanti Region of the African country. That's a 4,000 mile trip.

As seen in the below clip, before the match the supporter, donning a West Ham shirt and cap said he was at the Baba Yara stadium to watch “Mohammed Kudus, our new signing”, adding that the 23-year-old is “a very skilful player, very strong.”

Speaking to Ghana Web, the fan added: “West Ham are massive, everywhere we go. I’ve come all the way from the UK to come and watch Mohammed Kudus and the Black Stars.”

He then showed off a West Ham tattoo on his wrist, before making a cross hammer gesture with his arms.

Last week West Ham completed the signing of Kudus from Ajax, with the player agreeing to a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months. The deal was understood to be worth around £38million including add-ons.

Kudus, who is yet to start for West Ham, said: "I've been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid.

"I've been dreaming of this moment and I'm so happy to be here. But it doesn't stop here, I want to keep going.

"I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that's what football is all about. I'm just here to do my best and help the team. I'm really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can't wait to get started."

Topics: Football, Ghana, West Ham United, Transfers, Africa Cup Of Nations

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.