Former Ghana international Odartey Lamptey, speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, has urged the Black Stars to learn from their 2022 World Cup experience as they prepare for the 2026 edition.
The Black Stars secured qualification last Sunday after defeating Comoros in their final qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium. Despite the celebrations, Lamptey has expressed concern about how the team will perform at the tournament to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ghana endured a disappointing campaign at the last World Cup in Qatar, failing to progress beyond the group stage. The team lost two matches and managed only one victory, against South Korea, finishing bottom of a group that also included Portugal and Uruguay.
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Reflecting on Ghana’s qualification, Lamptey reminded the players, technical team, and administrators of the need to correct past mistakes.
“Our last World Cup was not that good. So once we have qualified, we have to sit down and make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes we made in Qatar,” he said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa.
According to the former Aston Villa and Anderlecht striker, the Black Stars possess enough quality to go far in the tournament, but that will depend on proper preparation and effective management.
“Without a doubt, there is quality in the team, so it means we have to do our homework well. Administrative issues should be sorted. If we go to the World Cup with a sound mind, we can perform,” he added.
Ghana picked up 25 out of a possible 30 points in the qualifiers, overcoming teams such as Mali, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, and Chad. However, Lamptey believes the team was not fully tested during the qualification phase.
“We were not under pressure in most of the qualifiers we played, so it’s difficult to pinpoint areas we need to improve on. I believe the preparatory games will help. We need top games that can expose the deficiencies in our team,” he said.
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— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) October 13, 2025
Next year’s tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars advanced beyond the group stage in their first two appearances, reaching the Round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010.
