Black Stars must abandon defensive approach after World Cup criticism - Nii Odartey Lamptey

Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has criticised the Black Stars' style of play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the team must return to a possession-based approach instead of relying heavily on defensive football.

Although Ghana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run in South Africa in 2010, the team's performances drew criticism from fans and pundits, with Lamptey joining those questioning the tactical direction of the national side.

The former midfielder, who followed Ghana's campaign closely, said the current squad falls short of previous Black Stars teams in terms of quality, composure on the ball and control in midfield.

"I watched all the matches and me personally, I'm not impressed," he told 3Sports.

"If I look at the team that went to the first World Cup in South Africa, you can't compare this team to them. And then 2014. And then our last World Cup in 2022. Even though we didn't do well then, I think that team is far, far better than this."

Lamptey believes Ghana's inability to dominate possession was one of the biggest weaknesses during the tournament.

According to him, successful Black Stars teams of the past were built around midfielders capable of controlling games, a quality he says the current side lacked.

"You should have a team that can be able to hold the ball. And this is what we couldn't do. And it was haunting us," he said.

"All the teams that I mentioned, the Ghana team in 2010, we could hold the ball. Look at our midfielders. We had ball jugglers and all that. This team, no. And this is haunting us."

The former Anderlecht player was particularly critical of Ghana's cautious display against England, arguing that defending for long periods should not be regarded as a successful strategy.

"A proper way to defend is to attack," Lamptey said.

"If you attack, you defend a million times, they beat you. There's no way a team can defend throughout 90 minutes."

The Black Stars will now shift their focus to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after Carlos Queiroz was retained as head coach following the World Cup campaign.

Ghana travel to Bouaké to face Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

After failing to qualify for the previous AFCON finals in Morocco, the four-time African champions will be aiming to secure an immediate return to the continent's biggest football tournament.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story