Odartey Lamptey: Former Ghanaian Midfielder Explains Why Black Stars Failed to AFCON in 1992

• Odartey Lamptey says Ghana would have won AFCON in 1992 had Abedi Pele played in the final
• The Black Stars were defeated in the final by Ivory Coast via a penalty shootout
• Pele missed out on the final match after receiving another yellow card in the semis

Former Ghanaian midfielder Nii Odartey Lamptey has suggested that the Black Stars lost the final of the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations due to the unavailability of Abedi Pele.

The Black Stars came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the semifinal and proceeded to the final, where they lost to Ivory Coast.

The epic final ended goalless after extra time, but Ghana were beaten 11-10 via penalty shootout.

After picking up another yellow card in the semi-final, Abedi Pele was ruled out of the final match.

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And recounting why his side lost, Lamptey disclosed that Ghana would have found the back of the net against the Ivorians had Pele played in the game.

He told Sienu TV, via Complete Sports:

“I run to the referee and pleaded not to book Abedi Pele, I did that but I think the word that he used maybe the referee was a bit frustrated and showed him a yellow card.

“I knew the final was going to be a war for us because (Pele) was a player who had achieve everything and when he is on the pitch is about three or four players who follows and then we take the advantage.

“I think his absence in the finals cost us, we should have won that trophy.”

The Black Stars are yet to win the AFCON title since last winning it in 1982 which was their fourth.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that legendary Ghanaian footballer Abedi Pele is hopeful the Black Stars can win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year,

The four-time African champions have not won the tournament in forty years despite coming close three times since 1982.

Abedi Pele, a member of the Black Stars team that last won the competition in 1982, believes Ivory Coast 2023 could be Ghana's moment.