From mid-table obscurity to AFCON dream: The rise of Richmond Lamptey

Attacking midfielder Richmond Lamptey has had a memorable year in the Ghana Premier League this season. He has created goals, delivered assists and has been a lynchpin for Asante Kotoko.

His efforts have gotten the club from poor mid-table no-hopers to the top four. A few weeks ago, he was included in the 55-man squad of the Black Stars ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. There was widespread doubt over his inclusion.

On Monday, he made it into the 27-man squad and on the flight to Abidjan. While Hughton read the names, an anxious Kotoko squad waited and in a jubilant mood, cheered him after his name was mentioned.

FABULOUS REACTION: How Asante Kotoko Players REACTED To RICHMOND LAMPTEY’s AFCON Call Uphttps://t.co/bMX1j8QoM8 pic.twitter.com/Ot1qKoFUt2

— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) January 1, 2024

A crowning moment for his industry in the season. One he wouldn’t have expected imminently.

Lamptey will not quite believe how his season has gone so far. 3Sports caught up with him a couple of weeks ago on the prospect of making the squad.

“All I need to do is to work hard because I believe in hard work,” he said on #GPLXpress.

Playing with Gideon Mensah and Ashimeru Majeed-mainstays in the Black Stars now- during their boyhood days at WAFA was fun to watch. A reunion is being born as Lamptey gets a slot on the flight to Côte d’Ivoire. He relishes the opportunity to see his former friends as they touch the blades of grass they will be blessed to have their football boots on.

“Happy seeing them because they were my friends. Meeting them will be exciting,” Lamptey revealed.

Local players who get called up to the national team have had meagre minutes and it is not looking too good for Lamptey at this point. Now that he is in the team though, there will be only one thing on his mind – to impress Hughton and try to get a spot to kick a ball at the Africa Cup of Nations.

A dream slept on has become a reality.

Richmond Lamptey was included in the Black Stars squad for the first time ahead of #AFCON2023

I caught up with him and has this story.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/cZH4NPb8Tf

— Kelvin Owusu Ansah (@KelOwusu) January 4, 2024

By Kelvin Owusu Ansah | 3Sports | Ghana