By: Kwame Bediako
Black Stars defender Tariq Lamptey has suffered a major setback ahead of Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after Fiorentina confirmed he tore the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The injury occurred during Fiorentina’s Serie A match against Como at the Artemio Franchi Stadium on Sunday, prematurely ending Lamptey’s comeback after just 22 minutes on the pitch.
The 24-year-old was making his first start for Fiorentina since joining the Italian side in the summer. His promising night turned sour when the injury forced him off early, ruling him out for an estimated six months.
This means Lamptey will miss the remainder of the Serie A season and, more importantly, Ghana’s decisive World Cup qualifying matches.
Lamptey has been an integral part of Ghana’s national team this season, including the vital victory over Mali that followed a shocking 1-0 defeat to Chad in September.
His pace and defensive solidity have contributed significantly to the Black Stars’ campaign, making his loss a blow to the team’s defensive options at a critical juncture.
With Ghana aiming to secure their fifth World Cup appearance in the upcoming tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Lamptey’s absence adds pressure on the coaching staff to find an effective defensive replacement.
The upcoming matches in Accra will be pivotal, and the Black Stars must adapt quickly to maintain their qualification ambitions.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars must now regroup and strategize to overcome this setback and continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
