– –
Former Ghana international, Nii Odartey Lamptey, says he doubts the Black Stars can go beyond the group stage of the 2019 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The West African countries have made a comeback to the Mundial after failing to feature in the previous edition played in Russia in 2018.
After a two-legged draw, the Black Stars earn qualifying at the cost of Nigeria.
Speaking in a yet-to-be-televised interview on Prime Take, Odartey claimed Uruguay and Portugal had progressed since the Black Stars last met them in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups respectively.
– –
“When I saw the group [Ghana was drawn in], personally I wasn’t happy,” the 1991 FIFA Youth Best Player said.
“I would have preferred to be in a group that we have never played with them at the World Cup level before,” he added.
– –
Since the 2010 World Cup semifinalists have not improved to the point where they can compete with the best in the world, Odartey, who revealed in the conversation that he retired from the national team in 1996 due to player politics, is concerned that they may struggle when facing familiar foes at the Mundial.
READ ALSO: Otto Addo doesn’t even know his first 11; he should be replaced with Chris Hughton else danger will happen at Qatar – Super Obondede
“The reason is, football has grown in these countries. I look at Portugal now and they have improved massively since we last played them so playing them again for the second time at the World Cup will be a problem for us, likewise Uruguay.”
When quizzed has not improved, he said “we haven’t grown but I think we have materials that suggest we can grow.
“The technical team is an excellent group: Otto [Addo], Boateng [George], Chris [Hughton], Didi [Dramani], very good blend, but the problem is a young squad which has never played a competition like this before.
“Maybe, ten of them have been to the [African] Cup of Nations before, but how many of them have played together in a tournament?
“So, playing very experienced countries, both Uruguay and Portugal, for me it’s a problem. I pray that we cross the group on the stage.
“We have the quality to progress beyond the group stage but my only question mark is the teams that we are facing,” he added.
Group G features Portugal and Uruguay, two teams the Black Stars will be acquainted with from the 2014 and 2010 World Cups, respectively, when they were eliminated in the round of 16 and the penalty shootout, respectively.
Also participating in the competition beginning on November 20 is South Korea.
– –