2023 AFCON: Richmond Lamptey is 'far ahead' of Baba Iddrisu, Edmund Addo

Former Hearts of Oak forward, Charles Taylor has suggested that Kumasi Asante Kotoko midfielder, Richmond Lamptey has unique and distinct footballing qualities that place him ahead of some current members of the Black Stars.

Charles Taylor reckons Lamptey’s ball-carrying and passing abilities are above that of Baba Iddrisu and Edmund Addo who per Chris Hughton’s latest call-up are part of the squad.

Taylor on Angel TV opined that the Black Stars have a dearth of players in the profile of Lamptey and that Chris Hughton should be thankful that Lamptey has found form at this crucial time.

Taylor is convinced that the former Inter Allies man can get a position in the Black Stars and therefore should be on the plane to Ivory Coast.

“His footballing skills are a bit different from what we have now and that’s why I believe that he’s ahead of the pack. I believe he can get a position in the Black Stars because any coach who is determined to win something will like him.

“I believe he is far ahead of Baba Iddrisu and Edmund Addo because of his ball-carrying and passing abilities. He has a way of finding strikers with the ball and making them enjoy his play.

“There some players in the Ghana Premier League who play like those abroad. He can play with the Black Stars players. We’ve been complaining about the quality of midfielders and now we have been lucky to find a player in the Ghana Premier League.

Former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko midfielder, Charles Taylor believes that Richmond Lamptey and Hearts’ Salifu Ibrahim ought to have spots in the squad.

Earlier, Charles Taylor expressed belief that Hearts of Oak’s Salifu Ibrahim and Lamptey have demonstrated imperious quality and therefore ought to be added to the Ghana squad for the AFCON.

“If we don't see these two [Salifu and Lamptey] in the Black Stars squad, then we need to question Chris Hughton. The two players have shown talent and quality and deserve a place in our national team”, he said.

The Black Stars, the four-time African champions, are set to face formidable competition in Group B of the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted in Cote d'Ivoire. In a challenging draw, the West African powerhouse will contend with Egypt, boasting an impressive seven-time championship record, as well as Cape Verde and Mozambique.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to kick off on January 13, 2024, culminating in the final match on February 11, 2024.

EK