Ghana defender Tariq Lamptey has opened up about the pride and significance of representing the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a “special” milestone in his career.
The 23-year-old switched his international allegiance from England to Ghana, the country of his parents, earning a spot in Otto Addo’s squad for the Qatar World Cup. Lamptey had previously progressed through England’s junior national teams but had not featured for the senior Three Lions squad.
Lamptey made his debut for Ghana in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Brazil and went on to feature against Switzerland in Ghana’s final pre-World Cup match. His first World Cup appearance came against Portugal, when he came off the bench to replace Alidu Seidu in the 66th minute.
Reflecting on the experience, Lamptey told 3Sports:
“I think the World Cup is top of everybody’s list. As a young boy, you can only dream of playing in the World Cup, which was a very special and proud moment for me and my family. After the sacrifice and the hard work that you put in, moments like that you have to cherish. It’s very important in your career; it makes you strive for the next one and just want to improve. You know that your level is there and you have to try and reach that.”
Lamptey earned a starting berth in Ghana’s subsequent match against South Korea, contributing to a historic 3-2 victory, a performance he describes as a career highlight.
Despite battling injuries since then, the Brighton & Hove Albion defender has made eight appearances for the Black Stars and remains committed to helping Ghana secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
