Richmond Lamptey deserves Black Stars call-up and has to be in the final squad – Michael Akuffu

Former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Michael Akuffu has reacted to Richmond Lamptey’s inclusion in the Black Stars provisional squad ahead of the 2023 AFCON.

Lamptey is among the 11 players selected from the Ghana Premier League, forming part of the 55-man provisional squad.

Leading the Ghana Premier League contingent in the squad are Medeama Sporting Club’s Jonathan Sowah, Abdul Fatawu Hamidu, Felix Kyei, Abdulai Nurudeen, and Derrick Fordjour.

The captain of the Porcupine Warriors has been prominently linked to the Black Stars in recent weeks, following an impressive string of performances in the Ghana Premier League. With four assists in the league at the time of this update, Lamptey has played a pivotal role in Kotoko’s resurgence after a challenging start to the 2023-2024 season.

Reacting to the news, Akuffu said: “He deserves it because he has proved it and we’ve all witnessed it. He deserves to be in the final squad. All depends on him and you will be only accepted as a player depending on your performance.

“He’s been making differences in Kotoko games for sometime now and I’m happy for his inclusion because he is my junior at Feyenood Academy. I saw how he grew up. Is a big thing for him. We worship Kotoko and if you are able to worship the club well, the soul of Asanteman too will also worship you.

“The advice I gave him about Kotoko is now working. I’m not surprised that he has been included in the squad. We are praying for him to be in the final squad,” Akuffu told Mothers FM.

Lamptey’s impactful contributions have coincided with Kotoko’s four-game winning streak. Despite a goalless draw with Accra Great Olympics, Kotoko missed the opportunity to secure a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions.

In the 2023 AFCON group stage, Ghana finds itself placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.