Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a major disappointment, marking the first time since 2004 that the Black Stars missed out on the prestigious tournament.
The absence of the four-time African champions from the competition has left fans and analysts questioning the future of the national team.
However, despite the setback, defender Tariq Lamptey remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances of bouncing back stronger in the upcoming fixtures.
"Of course, it's not ideal for us," Lamptey admitted in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.
"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 Brighton & Hove Albion defender emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and using this setback as motivation for future competitions.
"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."
With World Cup qualifiers and other international fixtures on the horizon, Ghana has an opportunity to rebuild and prove that this failure is just a temporary stumble.
The Black Stars will need to reassess their squad, refine their tactics, and reignite the passion that once made them one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
While the disappointment of missing AFCON 2025 lingers, the focus is now on redemption and regaining their place among the continent’s elite teams.