Tariq Lamptey Urges Black Stars Teammates to Focus on World Cup After AFCON Failure
- Brighton and Hove Albion defender has expressed disappointment after Ghana failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations
- The Ghana international shared his optimism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March
- The Black Stars, who were at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will face Chad and Madagascar in the qualifiers in March
Defender Tariq Lamptey has switched his attention to the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March following Ghana's AFCON disappointment.
The four-time African champions failed to qualify for the continental championship for the first time in 20 years after a disastrous run in the qualifiers.
The Black Stars finished bottom of their group and for the first time in the history of the qualifiers failed to win a game.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana's absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have left many disappointed with Lamptey sharing his frustrations as well.
However, the Brighton and Hove Albion defender is hoping the team will make amends in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana currently sit joint-top of their group with Comoros Island and face Chad and Madagascar in March when the qualifiers resumes.
Lamptey, who missed the games against Angola and Niger, is having a fine run in the Premier League and FA Cup in England, and will be expected to make the team for March's games.
Lamptey discloses World Cup ambitions
The 24-year-old was part of Ghana's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has set sights on the 2026 edition in USA, Mexico and Canada.
He told Telecom Asia Sport in an interview:
"Of course, it's not ideal for us.
"As a team, we always want to qualify for every major tournament and compete at the highest level. Missing out on AFCON is disappointing, but we have some big games coming up, so we have to look forward to that.
"We go into every tournament looking to qualify and win it, but now we have to shift our focus to the games in March," he added.
"We still have a lot to play for, and it's crucial that we come together as a team, work hard, and ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead."
Lamptey and Semenyo pick FA Cup awards
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian duo Antoine Semenyo and Tariq Lamptey were named Man of the Match in their games in the English FA Cup on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Semenyo scored to help AFC Bournemouth advance with Lamptey also starring for Brighton and Hove Albion against his former club.
The striker opened the scoring for the Cherries in the first half from the spot before delivering a goal-line clearance to earn his side a 2-0 victory.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
