Tariq Lamptey has for the first time shared a painful reality that weighed heavily on the entire black stars squad.

“Of course, it’s not ideal for us,” Lamptey admitted, his voice carrying the frustration of a missed opportunity. “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.”

The Black Stars had fought hard, but inconsistency and crucial mistakes had cost them dearly in the qualifiers. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for the players, the technical team, and the passionate Ghanaian fans who had dreamed of seeing their team compete on Africa’s grandest stage.

“We go into every tournament looking to qualify and win it,” he continued. “But now we have to shift our focus to the games in March. 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.”

Ghana’s next tests would be crucial—World Cup qualifiers loomed, and the Black Stars needed to prove that their AFCON failure was only a temporary setback. The road ahead would demand resilience, unity, and a renewed hunger for success.