Ghanaian Born Defender Qualifies With Canada for First World Cup in 36 Years

Ghanaian Born Defender Qualifies With Canada for First World Cup in 36 Years

Isaac Darko
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:59 PM
In this article:
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  • Richmond Mamah Laryea was instrumental for the Canadian national team as they advanced to the 2022 FIFA World Cup
  • The Canadian-born Ghanaian right full-back played for the Reds in their 4-0 thumping of Jamaica on Sunday night
  • This is the first time Canada will be at the World Cup after making an appearance in the 1986 tournament

Ghanaian-born defender Richmond Mamah Laryea featured as Canada thrashed Jamaica 4-0 on Sunday to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 27-year-old started and played 62 minutes as the North American country makes a return to the tournament for the first time in 36 years.

Goals from Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett and an own goal from Andrian Mariappa ensured they finished top of the North American zone.

Richmond Laryea, Canada, 2022 World Cup, Nottingham Forest
Canadian-born Ghanaian defender Richmond Laryea qualifies with Canada for first World Cup in 36 years. Credit: @torontostar
Source: Twitter

Born in Toronto to Ghanaian players, Laryea earned a call up to the Canadian senior national team on August 26, 2019, for two CONCACAF Nations League matches against Cuba.

The Nottingham Forest right-back has since played 27 games for the Reds, scoring one goal.

How Canada qualified for the World Cup

Richmond Mamah Laryea and his teammates have won eight games, drew four and lost only a game.

As it stands they are top of the North American zone with 28 points, followed by the United States and Mexico with 25 points each after 13 games each.

This is the first time Canada will be at the World Cup after making an appearance in the 1986 tournament which was hosted in Mexico.

Alphonso Davies Breaks Down in Tears as Canada Qualify for World Cup Drops

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Alphonso Davies could not hold his tears as Canada made a return to the World Cup after qualifying for the tournament for the first time in 36 years.

The Bayern Munich left-back, who has been out injured, watched his teammates beat Jamaica 4-0 on Sunday as the North Americans qualify for the global showpiece.

In a video posted on Twitter, the rising star who was on Instagram Live is visibly seen shedding tears of joy.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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