The four-time African champions will make their fifth appearance at the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking to 3Sports, Paintsil said the team must remain focused, particularly against tough opponents like Croatia, while highlighting Ghana’s chances against England.

“Ghana playing against England is going to feel like a local derby, but I believe Ghana will carry the day,” he said. “Croatia are very threatening; Ghana cannot underestimate them.”

The former Black Stars defender also praised head coach Otto Addo, describing him as a great leader and disciplinarian who deserves the full backing of Ghanaians ahead of the finals.

“Otto Addo is a great coach, a leader, and a disciplinarian. Ghanaians should give him their maximum support,” Paintsil added.

Ghana has been drawn into Group L and will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

Preparations for the tournament include a training camp in March with friendly matches against Austria and Germany, followed by games against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2.

With less than four months to the tournament, concerns persist over the fitness of several influential players. Midfielder Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined with an injury, while Francis Abu and defender Mohammed Salisu are also expected to miss the competition due to various ailments. However, Abdul Mumin has completed his recovery from a long-term setback.

Head coach Otto Addo is scheduled to announce his final squad on June 1, with anticipation building among supporters. Paintsil believes the team’s ambitions hinge largely on the physical readiness of its core players.

“When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010,” he told 3Sports.

“Coming into this World Cup, expectations are very high. I want all our players to be fit so they’ll be ready for the call-up,” added Paintsil, who represented Ghana at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Drawn in Group L, Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England six days later, and conclude group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.

As part of their build-up, the Black Stars are scheduled to regroup in March for friendly matches against Austria and Germany, followed by a final test against Mexico in May.

Ghana, four-time African champions, will make their fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage this summer. After missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in over 20 years, the team bounced back to secure qualification for the World Cup.

Reflecting on past disappointments—exiting at the group stage in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022—Paintsil believes the squad now has the experience to advance further.

“When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is now experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010,” the former Fulham and West Ham defender told 3Sports.

“Coming into this World Cup, the expectation is very high. I can’t wait to see how things will go on our side.”

A veteran of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Paintsil also emphasized the importance of player fitness ahead of the tournament.

“Like I keep saying, I want all our players to be fit so they’ll be ready for the call-up,” he added.

Drawn in Group L, Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

Ahead of the tournament, the Black Stars will regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, followed by a final warm-up match against Mexico.

The tournament, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage.

Reflecting on past setbacks, including group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Paintsil believes the squad is now better prepared to compete in the latter stages of the competition.

“We have enough experience to be in the semi-finals or final of the 2026 World Cup,” he told 3Sports.

Ghana will open its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on June 27.

As part of their preparations, the Black Stars will regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, before taking on Mexico ahead of the tournament.

Ghana is expected to announce its final squad on June 1, but Paintsil says the technical team is casting a wide net, with both locally based and foreign-based players firmly in contention.

“We are focused on both local and international players for the Black Stars’ World Cup squad,” Paintsil told Asempa FM. “Every Ghanaian who qualifies to play is welcome, but there will be a lot of surprises.”

As part of preparations for the tournament, the Black Stars will regroup in March for international friendly matches against Austria and Germany, aimed at assessing player readiness and fine-tuning the squad.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before taking on England in Boston. Their group-stage campaign will end against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

After group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the Black Stars are determined to make a stronger impact at football’s biggest stage in 2026.

Both players were included in coach Otto Addo’s squad for the double-header against Chad and Mali but did not travel with the team to N’Djamena on Tuesday.

According to the GFA, Paintsil arrived in Accra on Wednesday after missing his connecting flight from New York due to a delayed departure from Los Angeles. Djiku, on the other hand, is in Moscow finalizing a contract move and is expected to arrive in Accra on Friday.

As a result, 22 players are currently with the team in Chad for Thursday’s game at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.

Both Paintsil and Djiku are expected to be available for Ghana’s Matchday 8 fixture against Mali on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars currently top Group I with 15 points as they aim to secure a fifth World Cup appearance.

READ ALSO

• 22 Black Stars players arrive in Chad ahead of World Cup…
• 2026 WCQ: Sports Minister announces ticket prices for Black Stars v…

Following back-to-back victories in March, Ghana is set to face Chad and Mali in Matchday 7 and 8 of the qualifiers.

Speaking to Asempa FM ahead of the games, Paintsil emphasised the team’s readiness while appealing for strong support from Ghanaians.

“We are ready for the task ahead, but I call on Ghanaians to support the team in these two games,” he said. “I hope our players remain injury-free, as we will need them for the rest of the qualifiers. We are confident, but we also expect a tough challenge, and with the right support, I know we will achieve our objective.”

The Black Stars will travel to N’Djamena to face Chad on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Olympique, before returning to Accra to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.

Currently leading Group I after six matches, Ghana is aiming for a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. The team is scheduled to officially open camp in Accra on Monday, September 1.

READ ALSO

• 2026 WCQ: Otto Addo names Black Stars squad for Chad and…
• 2026 WCQ: Thomas Partey makes Black Stars squad for Chad, Mali…

His comments come on the back of the Queens’ impressive showing at the recently concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they defied the odds to clinch a bronze medal.

It marked Ghana’s first podium finish at the tournament since 2016 and their first appearance at WAFCON since 2018.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Paintsil commended their resilience and potential under new leadership.

“I see a team with a future and a team that can grow to become a better side than they are now,” Paintsil told Adom Sports.

“You can also see individual brilliance, and I believe that if they are kept, they will deliver.”

Despite a rocky start to the tournament and limited preparation time under a new head coach, Paintsil hailed the Queens’ unity and determination.

“I don’t believe they had more time to train together, and the time they had was limited. And with a new coach coming in, for me, what they did in Morocco was fantastic.

“One thing I saw about them was the unity, which was very good. These girls need support, and I believe going forward, they will conquer Africa,” he added.

READ ALSO

• Black Queens yet to receive $350,000 WAFCON prize – GFA
• GFA committed to Black Queens’ quest for WAFCON gold – Henry Asante Twum

The four-time African champions will face Chad in their Matchday 5 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

Ghana is aiming for its first victory of 2025 after a challenging 2024 campaign, which saw the team secure only two wins in 10 matches.

Speaking to Happy FM, Paintsil expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, stating, “The Chad game is a must-win, and with the support of the fans, I know it will go well for us.”

He also stressed the broader significance of World Cup qualification, adding, “We all know what qualifying for the World Cup will do. It will bring opportunities, open doors, and create investment platforms.”

After the Chad match, the Black Stars will head to Morocco to take on Madagascar on Monday, March 24, in their Matchday 6 encounter.

Ghana currently leads Group I alongside Comoros, with both teams level on nine points after four matches.

This possible reshuffle follows widespread criticism of the technical team, led by head coach Otto Addo, after Ghana failed to secure qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Reports suggest the GFA has already initiated discussions with a Belgian and a Serbian coach as potential replacements for Paintsil and Laumann.

This move is part of a broader effort to overhaul the coaching staff and rebuild confidence ahead of the critical 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON for the first time in 20 years has sparked outrage among fans, many of whom are calling for Otto Addo’s dismissal.

While Addo’s future remains uncertain, it is unclear whether Paintsil and Laumann will remain in their roles as the qualifiers approach. If dismissed, their departure would mark a significant change in the Black Stars’ technical setup.

Both coaches were appointed to replace George Boateng and Didi Dramani in the assistant roles, but their tenure now hangs in the balance as fans and officials await further developments.

READ ALSO

• Kwesi Nyantakyi names the biggest football club in Ghana
• Kwesi Nyantakyi opposes Kurt Okraku’s bid for third term as GFA President

The former Ghanaian internationals were appointed to the technical team earlier this year when Otto Addo resumed his role as head coach in March.

However, the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sparked widespread criticism of the technical staff.

A review meeting was held last week to evaluate Otto Addo’s technical report, prompting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider making changes to the team’s backroom staff.

The proposed changes are expected to impact the roles of assistant coach and goalkeepers’ trainer, positions currently held by Paintsil and Dauda.

The shake-up reportedly follows Otto Addo’s request for upgrades to his support staff during a recent meeting with the GFA Executive Council.

The Black Stars’ disappointing AFCON qualification campaign saw them finish at the bottom of Group F, managing only three points from three draws and three losses.

This marks the first time in 20 years that the four-time African champions will miss the continent’s premier football competition.

In the aftermath of the qualifiers, the Black Stars are set to return to international action in March 2025, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in an interview, Taylor questioned the qualifications of certain support staff members, singling out former defender John Paintsil, whom he feels lacks the experience required for his role.

Taylor suggested that Otto Addo should consider reshuffling the technical team and bringing in more experienced coaches to enhance the team’s performance.

“If you pick John Paintsil as an assistant, are you a good coach? Paintsil himself said he hadn’t gotten to that level yet but was given the role. I want to know if the GFA or Otto Addo decides the backroom staff because the current people won’t help him succeed,” Taylor told Angel TV.

Taylor also criticized the team selection, arguing that the current lineup of technical staff falls short of the standards needed to achieve progress.

“The technical team members don’t deserve to be there. I said earlier that Addo cannot qualify Ghana for the 2025 AFCON because his demeanor even shows. You have this wealth of talented players, so why can’t you qualify from a group of Sudan, Angola, and Niger?” he added.

Taylor’s comments come in the wake of reports that Otto Addo had raised similar concerns during a meeting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council on Wednesday, November 27.

Addo pointed out the lack of experience among his staff as a key reason behind the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

The meeting ended without a decision, with the GFA stating that they would consult additional stakeholders, including political figures, before determining Addo’s future as head coach.

READ ALSO

• George Boateng leaves Coventry City after Frank Lampard’s arrival
• Mohammed Kudus’ spectacular solo strike against Freiburg earns Puskás Award nomination

Alhassan’s comments follow the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades.

The team finished last in Group F, managing only three points from three draws and three losses.

Reflecting on the team’s underwhelming performance, Alhassan, a 1982 AFCON champion, criticized the assistant coaches for not playing their part effectively.

“They should have done better because I don’t see that they are helping the coach himself. I don’t see anything that shows that they are helping the coach,” he told Citi Sports.
“If you are a coach and you have a technical team, you work together with them. Or maybe they are afraid to suggest to the coach. Maybe everything is the coach’s responsibility, so they also sit and watch him, but if they worked together, I don’t think things like this would have happened,” he added.

The Black Stars’ technical team includes John Paintsil as the first assistant coach, Joseph Laumann as the second assistant coach, and Fatawu Dauda as the goalkeeper trainer.

Despite the disappointing campaign, reports suggest that Otto Addo will retain his position as head coach. However, significant changes to the backroom staff are expected.

READ ALSO

• Tactically, I am good to coach Black Stars – Ignatius Osei-Fosu
• Sudan target 2025 AFCON title after ousting Ghana

Following the end of the 2023/24 football season, players Emmanuel Keyekeh, Richmond Lamptey, and Steven Mukwala have all left from Ghana for juicy contracts abroad.

Addressing the trend of players exiting the Ghana Premier League, Paintsil, a former defender for Berekum Arsenal, argued that, teams shouldn’t overly depend on individual players to strengthen their squads.

“Football is a business, so if a young player has the opportunity to go abroad, why not?” Paintsil said on Asempa FM.

“It’s about doing the right thing. That’s why you shouldn’t build a team around just one or two players. To be successful, you need a large squad. If a European team wants to sign a 16-year-old player for a long-term contract, the club chairman or president, who invests money, needs to see a return. So, I don’t see a problem with players leaving.

When building a team, it’s crucial to establish a strong structure with many players. Don’t rely on just one or two players,” he added.

With Otto Addo’s reinstatement as the head coach of the Black Stars, John Paintsil, a former Ghana defender, has been selected to join the technical staff.

Also joining the team are Joseph Laumann and Fatau Dauda, who will serve as the goalkeeper’s trainer.

While there has been some criticism from football fans regarding Paintsil’s appointment, Gyan, who played alongside Paintsil during the 2006 and 2010 World Cups in Germany and South Africa respectively, has endorsed his former teammate’s new role.

“John (Paintsil) sacrificed a lot for the national team but people seem to forget. After retirement, he went to coach in South Africa as an assistant and gathered relevant experience,” he told Asempa FM on the Ultimate Sports Show Wednesday.

“If you look at his life after retirement, all he’s done is coach. So if I look at his records and what he has done, I can only support his appointment to the assistant’s role,” Gyan added.

Paintsil represented the Black Stars from 2001 to 2013, with a noteworthy tenure spanning ten years from 2003 to 2013.

READ ALSO

• Kwesi Nyantakyi convinced Ghana football will rise again

• Black Stars must be built around Mohammed Kudus – Asamoah Gyan

The national team, vying for their fifth continental title, fell short, exiting the tournament at the group stage with only two points out of a possible nine.

Despite holding leads in matches, the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and settled for 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique.

This marked Ghana’s second consecutive early exit in major tournaments, echoing disappointments from AFCON 2021 and the 2022 World Cup.

Paintsil pointed out a lack of leadership from the coaching staff, exacerbating the team’s misfortune.

In an interview with UTV, he remarked, “The players faced bad luck, but we lacked leadership from the coaches. There was a lack of unity among the boys.”

Emphasizing the significance of teamwork, Paintsil stressed that success hinges on collective effort rather than individual brilliance alone. He highlighted issues such as disjointed player movements and an overreliance on individual skills.

Comparing the current team dynamics to his playing days, Paintsil noted a decline in standards, citing diminished respect, unity, and responsibility among players. He recalled an era where unity and mutual respect were paramount, allowing them to predict victories confidently.

“We could even close our eyes during our time and beat you before leaving the dressing room. We will predict to score 2-0 under 20 minutes because the respect and unity were there. There was no discrimination so sometimes players must take responsibility. You are not a team player if you see yourself as bigger than your teammates,” he added.

Following the disappointing AFCON 2023 campaign, the Ghana Football Association parted ways with coach Chris Hughton. A committee has been formed to search for his successor, with numerous applications received.

Looking ahead, Ghana will focus on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June, where they are slated to face Mali and the Central African Republic.

In his view, the much publicised demonstration lacked purpose because the conveners were not specific with their demands.

“I need to know exactly their point for the demonstration.

“If we say Ghana Football then we are not talking the national team. The national team comes once in six months or four months. Even when we talk about the Black Stars, they just returned from the World Cup. The big game against Nigeria; they went there and qualified us,” he said on Accra-based UTV.

His comment follows the mammoth the demonstration on the principal streets of Accra on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024.

The march was to demand urgent reforms within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the Black Stars poor performance at the just-ended 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Led by sports journalists Patrick Osei Agyemang aka Countryman Songo, Saddick Adams and Veronica Commey, the protest attracted participants from all walks of life, including gospel musicians Great Ampong and Nicolas Omane Acheampong.

But Mr Painstil insists the men’s national team is a work in progress which will take time.

“They need to understand the national team is still being rebuilt. The people who came for the AFCON are new faces,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif reacting to the demonstration said a national dialogue will be held on the poor performance of the Black Stars.

ALSO READ:

• GFA alone cannot develop football – John Paintsil

• #SaveGhanaFootball demo: 75-year-old woman shares heartbreak over Black Stars AFCON performance [Video]

Ghana have been housed in Group B ahead of the 34th edition of the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year alongside the above countries.

However, Paintsil said underdogs, Cape Verde and Mozambique should be the main focus for Ghana rather than the seven-time champions, Egypt.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former West Ham United and Fulham defender said the technical handlers must not place too much emphasis on Egypt’s perceived strength, as they are not currently among the continent’s strongest teams.

”For me, the other two teams, take Egypt out, are the most dangerous teams. Cape Verde and Mozambique are the teams that can pose a threat to Ghana because it is very difficult to play against these teams,” Paintsil, who represented Ghana in six AFCON tournaments between 2002 and 2013 said.

Paintsil also praised Chris Hughton for reshaping the team with a new system that has solidified the midfield and incorporated skilled wingers, making the Black Stars a formidable force once again.

“I’ve watched our team play outside and also in Africa and I can say the players’ performance is as high as it is when they play for their clubs. So, for me Egypt is not a threat,” he said.

”If you look at the players that he is using the wingers are very strong and they are fast on the ball and they have about four [Mohammed] Kudus in the national team, and all of them are very dangerous,” he noted.

Ghana are currently preparing in the USA for the tournament slated from January 13 until February 11, 2024, with Ghana opening their account on January 14 against Cape Verde.

The Black Stars will hope to win the trophy to end the country’s 41-year trophyless jinx.

READ ALSO

• 2023 AFCON: Ghana in Group B alongside Egypt (Check out full…

• 2023 AFCON: Check out key dates for Black Stars group games

Ghana on Thursday secured qualification for the AFCON tournament that will be hosted in Ivory Coast next year following a 2-1 win over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Despite the formidable challenge that AFCON poses, the former right-back remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances, citing the nation’s roster of exceptional talents playing for prominent European clubs.

Paintsil underlined the dynamism of football and acknowledged that many countries have made significant impact in the sport.

However, he stressed that, it ultimately comes down to meticulous preparations and a strong desire for victory.

He underscored the need for the players to cultivate a winning mentality, as it is a crucial element for success in such a competitive tournament.

“Ghana can win the AFCON but other teams are also pushing. It’s atough one but if we do our things well and prepare the mindset of the players, we can win it. The players must have a winning mentality because, without it, they will not be able to win. We take a step at a time and I believe we are too close to winning it,” Paintsil said.

Ghana will know their 2023 AFCON group opponents on October 12. The Black Stars will hope to end the country’s 41-year trophy drought.

READ ALSO

• We could have done better against CAR – Chris Hughton

• Angry CAR coach reign curses on Ghana ahead of 2023 AFCON

The four-time African champions are in Group I alongside Mali, Comoros, Chad, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic.

With Mali being tipped to be Ghana’s headache, Paintsil, who played at the 2006 and 2010 Mundial, said Ghana has what it takes to secure a win over the Eagles.

“Countries paired against Ghana in the group have an upper hand because they have nothing to lose playing us. If we beat them, it’s no use, but if they beat us, it’s big news and that tells you it’s a tricky group,” he told Graphic Sports.

“Mali is the most stubborn football country in Africa because they can upset you anytime.”

Despite recognising the threat of Mali, the former Premier League player said they are no more a strong force.

“It was during 2012 when Mali was in top form,” he continued.

“I thought they could build on their form but looking at them now, I don’t think they are strong like before.”

There is a long way between now and the start of the qualifiers for the World Cup, which is in 2026, but Ghana’s road to the Mundial begins in November 2023.

Ghana will hope to secure its fifth global showpiece qualification. 

READ ALSO

• 2026 World CupQ: Ghana housed in Group I (Check out opponents)

• 2026 World Cup: Ghana will qualify but … – Asamoah Gyan makes shaky prediction

Ghana discovered its group opponents on Thursday during CAF’s Congress in Ivory Coast.

The four-time African champions have been housed in Group I alongside Mali, Comoros, Madagascar, Central African Republic (CAR), and Chad.

The West African country has a superior pedigree than all of their opponents who have yet to qualify for the World Cup, having appeared in it four times.

However, Paintsil who featured in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups with the Black Stars said Ghana could be punished and eventually miss the tournament if they don’t prepare adequately for the qualifiers.

“It’s not a difficult group but a tricky one. We have Mali, Madagascar, CAR and Comoros, which have a history with us. Comoros believe their history against us at the Nations Cup is still there,” he said as reported by 3Sports.

“Countries paired against Ghana in the group have an upper hand because they have nothing to lose playing us. If we beat them, it’s no use, but if they beat us, it’s big news and that tells you it’s a tricky group. Mali is the most stubborn football country in Africa because they can upset you anytime,” he added.

Ghana will be aiming for their fifth appearance in six World Cups having represented in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022.

While they are yet to play Chad, Ghana have faced all the other four opponents in previous encounters with Madagascar being the most recent one. The Black Stars beat Madagascar 3-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium last year but were held to a draw last month both in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. They will wrap up their AFCON qualifiers against CAR before the World Cup qualifiers begin in November having already drawn 1-1 against them in 2022.

Meanwhile, Comoros seem to be the side among their opponents to have handed them one of the worst nightmares in the history of Ghana football as they caused the Black Stars’ early exit in the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon.

Ghana were beaten 3-2 in a match that could have seen them proceed beyond the group stage with a draw.

To qualify for the World Cup, the Black Stars must overcome the hurdles provided by their opponents and emerge as group winners.

READ ALSO

• 2026 World Cup: Ghana will qualify but … – Asamoah Gyan…

• 2026 World CupQ: CAR coach aiming to finish top of Group…

The Football Association has come under strong criticism following Black Meteors’ early exit at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In recent months, the various national teams have failed to perform under the Kurt Okraku-led administration.

Despite the criticisms and blame games, Paintsil believes it is not just the duty of the Ghana FA to develop the game.

“The weight of the job [football development] cannot be done by just one person or body,” he said in an interview with Asempa FM on the Ultimate Sports Show.

“It is collective efforts that require all of us to play a role to be able to attain success.”

The 42-year-old also called on the government to contribute their quota in diverse ways to ensure the country gets back to chalking success like other teams on the continent.

“Talking about football development at large, the Ghana Football Association can’t do it alone,” he added.

“Take a look at how the governments of Morocco and Senegal have supported and contributed to football development in the two countries. I believe the Ghana government is willing to offer support, too.”

The West African country opened their 2022 World Cup campaign with a defeat against Portugal in their opener last week Thursday at the 974 Stadium.

The Black Stars will have to win against the Asian side to boost their chances of playing in the next round of the tournament.

Paintsil, who played in the 2006 and 2010 Mundial, is convinced the team will secure all three points against the Koreans.

“We are going for a must-win, and for me, I believe the effort the technical team and the players put into the last game gives all of us an indication that the team will go further. Now, we have a strong team. The last time I saw Ghana play like this was during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa against Serbia,” he told Graphic Sports.

READ ALSO

• 2022 World Cup: South Korea v Ghana – Anthony Taylor appointed…

• 2022 World Cup: It will be tough against Korea but … – Ghana coach Otto Addo

“The same mentality and approach to the game was very high and I believe going forward, the coaches will change something…I believe the system we played in the first and the second half was changed a bit and the boys lost the middle a little bit.

“I have seen that our boys are tactically disciplined, looking at the Portugal game and the way they blocked the middle and stuck to the game plan till the end.

“I believe that when it comes to Korea and Japan they play the same formation; they are fast and they also have players who can run throughout the 90 minutes, but I don’t see Korea stopping us from winning today,” he stated.

The much-anticipated game has been scheduled to kick off at 13:00GMT at the Education City Stadium.

The four time African champions after missing out in the last edition of the Mundial have returned to the biggest football stage for the fourth time.

Ghana secured its qualification at the expense of Nigeria.

The Black Stars have struggled for form this year, winning just two of their 12 games, with Addo taking charge following a group-stage exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

However, Paintsil is convinced the team will come good and make an impact with the right selection.

READ ALSO

• GFA announces $2m deal with MTN as Black Stars sponsor ahead of…

• 2022 WC: Ghana will play in the final – Ex-defender

“My expectation for Ghana is very, very high,” Paintsil told BBC Sport Africa.

“Otto Addo and his staff know what they are looking for. The coaches must stand firm and believe in their abilities.

“Every coach should know his 1st XI at this time. The little time they will have with the boys, they will do their best to blend them and become one team,” the former Fulham defender added.

The West Africans are the lowest-ranked side at the World Cup – at 61st in the world – and will face Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Group H.

Ghana will officially open camp on November 10 in Abu Dhabi and will take on Switzerland in their final preparatory game on November 17.

Otto Addo is expected to name his final squad of November 14 before the friendly game.

Ghana’s best performance in the history of the Mundial came in 2010 where the team played in the quarterfinals, Paintsil was a key figure for the side.

The 41-year-old, speaking in an interview, said the experience garnered over three previous World Cup appearances makes the Black Stars prime candidates for success in Qatar.

“Ghana is experienced at the World Cup now and I believe we [Ghana] will reach the final. I believe it from the bottom of my heart,” he told Joy Sports.

READ ALSO

• Black Stars: GFA boss Kurt Okraku defends Otto Addo over part-time…

• Otto Addo is fully in-charge of Black Stars player call-up –…

The Black Stars have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.

They will open their campaign against the Europeans on 24th November; play South Korea on November 28, before concluding the group stages with a crunch tie against Uruguay on December 2, 2022.

Ghana will open camp on November 10 in Abu Dhabi before taking on Switzerland on November 17.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will run from November 20-18 December 2022.

Ghana has been drawn into Group H alongside Uruguay, South Korea, and Portugal.

With the tournament set to kick off later this year, Ghana is scheduled to play the Selecaos in their first group of the competition which takes place in Qatar.

But Paintsil, who was part of Ghana’s squad for the 2010 World Cup, believes the Manchester United forward should not be the focal point for the players.

“They don’t need to focus on Ronaldo. They need to focus on their game plan because as a player going into a game you don’t look at an individual,” the ex-Black Stars right-back told Graphic Sports.

READ ALSO

• Asamoah Gyan shares his biggest career regret

• Black Stars: Issahaku eyes World Cup after joining Sporting Lisbon

Ronaldo, who has netted 115 international goals for his country, has not shown any signs of slowing down for both club and country.

At age 37, the attacker has 12 League goals for Manchester United since signing for the Reds Devils in the summer of 2021.

“Ronaldo is still good, but he can’t run but when he receives the ball before you get to him, he can use it so it’s only close marking,” Paintsil added.

The tournament will be played between November 24 and December 18 in Qatar.

Ghana after exiting the group phase of the Mundial in 2014 in Brazil will be hoping to improve its performance in Qatar.

Ghana, having qualified ahead of Nigeria, has been pitched in Group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.

The former West Ham defender was part of the Black Stars side beaten on penalties by the South Americans in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup tournament in Brazil.

The match famously saw Uruguay forward Luis Suarez sent off at the end of the second half of extra-time after a handball on the goal line with Asamoah Gyan then missing a crucial spot-kick which would have made the West Africans the continent’s first World Cup semi-finalists.

Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

READ ALSO

• 2022 WC draw: Perfect time to revenge against Uruguay – GFA…

• 2022 WC: We are ready for our group opponents – Sports…

“The game that is going to be mouth-watering and that people will be looking forward to is Uruguay-Ghana, because of the incident that happened in 2010 in South Africa,” Paintsil, 40, told BBC Sport Africa.

“As football people, we don’t think about revenge – but we always thought about how we can go forward.

“At the end of the day, it is not only Uruguay that we will play in the group. If you beat Uruguay but don’t beat the rest, it will be a problem,” he added.

Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting at the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Defender Paintsil was part of the Black Stars side beaten on penalties by the South Americans in the quarter-finals of the 2010 tournament.

The match famously saw Uruguay forward Luis Suarez sent off at the end of the second half of extra-time after a handball on the goal line, with Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan then missing a spot-kick which would have made the West Africans the continent’s first World Cup semi-finalists.

After Friday’s draw, Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku declared “it will be revenge time” when the two sides meet again later this year.

“The game that is going to be mouth-watering and that people will be looking forward to is Uruguay-Ghana, because of the incident that happened in 2010 in South Africa,” Paintsil, 40, told BBC Sport Africa.

“As football people we don’t think about revenge – but we always thought about how we can go forward.

“At the end of the day, it is not only Uruguay that we will play in the group. If you beat Uruguay but don’t beat the rest, it will be a problem.”

Ghana will face Portugal, who beat Ghana 2-1 in the group stages on their last appearance at the tournament in 2014, and South Korea in Group H in Qatar before their anticipated re-match with two-time World Cup winners Uruguay.

Former Fulham defender Paintsil believes the group facing Ghana is “very, very tricky”.

“I would call it a group of death,” he added.

“Seeing Portugal, Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea… they area all strong sides. We are going to take one [game] at a time and take it as it comes.

READ ALSO

• Playing Portugal and Uruguay will be a motivating factor for Black…

• 2022 WC: Andre Ayew eager to write history with Black Stars

“We are not just going to say ‘because we are in a group with Uruguay, we will put all our strength on them’. We need to put all our strength on all the teams that we are going to play so we can come out of the group successfully.”

However, having beaten fierce rivals Nigeria on away goals to qualify for the finals, Paintsil is hopeful Ghana can reach the knock-out stages for the third time.

“I believe our current squad is a very balanced one, with youth and experience,” he said.

“The two matches they played against Nigeria gave all of us hope that they can go further. We trust that they will do it.”

Ghana ‘has great players’ says Portugal boss

Portugal coach Fernando Santos says he will have to do his homework on Ghana before facing the West Africans in their opening game at the tournament on 24 November.

“We see certain competitions and tournaments less in Europe,” Santos told BBC Sport Africa. “That’s the reality, so we really have to analyse Ghana now.

“They have great players, a lot of them play in Europe. It’s one thing to have great players playing in Europe, but you need to have a collective. You can have one or two players here and there, but it needs to be a team.”

However, the veteran coach, who took charge of Portugal after the 2014 World Cup and led the side to 2016 European Championship glory, believes Group H is “open”.

“It is difficult to make an assessment,” the 67-year-old said.

“It’s four continents and four completely different styles. I don’t really know how to assess it clearly because it’s different styles, different cultures, and different forms of play.”

The four-time African champions have been paired with the Super Eagles to battle for a place in the 2022 Mundial scheduled to be hosted in Qatar later this year.

Ghana will host their rivals now at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 25 before the return fixture at the Abuja National Stadium in Abuja on March 29.

Ahead of the game, Paintsil, who was speaking to Graphic Sports, believes that despite Nigeria’s individual brilliance and depth in quality, Ghana has a better chance of picking the Mundial slot considering how far the Black Stars have come but warned against complacency.

READ ALSO

• 2022 WC: Black Stars squad for Nigeria games to be announced…

• Hearts of Oak chief breaks silence on Muntari’s possible Black Stars…

The Black Stars, after a disappointing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] campaign in Cameroon, are seeking to make amend against the Super Eagles for a place in the global showpiece.

Otto Addo, who is the head coach of the team, is expected to unveil the squad for the much-anticipated game this week.

Ghana missed out in the last edition of the tournament staged in Russia in 2018 having played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup in Germany, South Africa and Brazil respectively.

The West African country that has won the trophy four times has struggled to lift the trophy with their last trophy coming in 1982.

Milovan Rajevac has named his final 28-man squad for the 33rd edition of the tournament in Cameroon.

However, Paintsil who played the national team for over a decade believes the Serbian trainer inherited an inexperienced squad when he took over the team a few months ago.

According to him, the 63-year-old coach only accepted the job because of his love for Ghana and not because the team has the quality and experience to win trophies.

“When he came in 2010, we were masters of our own and we were only taking instructions,” the former Berekum Arsenal defender told Joy Sports.

“But now that generation is not there. When you look at the team now, we only have Jonathan Mensah and Dede Ayew, which is not enough for any coach.

“Milo [Rajevac] came because he loves Ghanaians and he knows the players will deliver for him. In some cases, no coach would have come and taken the job in such a crucial moment because it is Ghana we are talking about, a football-loving country,” John Paintsil told Joy Sports in an interview.

He continued, “I said it was a crucial and wrong time because of the players he was coming to meet – players who had never been together, who had never played so many matches as a team, thinking that they had quality as a team but only quality as individuals, it was going to be difficult for him.

“But in all, if you look at what he has done in for the short period, it tells you that he is a great coach,” he added.

Ghana meanwhile lost 3-0 to Algeria in a preparatory game on Wednesday ahead of the tournament that start on Sunday.

The Black Stars will kick start the tournament against giants Morocco on Monday, January 10 before taking on Gabon and Comoros in the other Group C matches.

After making his mark as a defensive midfielder, he is testing his acting abilities, and he was captured on set with refined comic actor LilWin.

He made it to the cast of LilWin’s new Kumawood series, together with some veterans including Mr beautiful, Agya Manu, Kalybos, Bismark the Joke, Brother Sammy, General Ntatia, and Dada KD.

Ghanaians were left wondering if Paintsil is going into full-time acting after photos of his scenes went viral.

But in a latest interview, he stated emphatically that he would not trade football and coaching for any other profession.

He disclosed he was only on set to do his industry friend LilWin a favour.

As a celebrity, if your friend calls for your help you have to go and support him, Paintsil in an interview on Happy Sports with Odiasempa Kwame Oware, said.

Acting is not my job but football which is coaching and playing. I just gave a helping hand to a friend. I can also call Lilwin to come and help me when I am organising a project. I have not joined the movie industry. My friend called me to come and help him

That said, Paintsil said he is available to be featured in music videos as well if that will be beneficial for both parties.

John Paintsil turned 40, yesterday June 15, which also happened to be their third marriage anniversary.

The couple spent the day in the solitude wrapped in their arms.

A video Mrs Paintsill uploaded on her social media platforms showed moments the duo played around while listening to a romantic song.

ALSO SEE

• Photos of John Paintsil loved up with wife in swimming pool melts hearts

• I was my wife’s dream man at age 16 – Okyeame…

In an epic write-up, she remarked how special the month of June is to her, adding she will forever keep the memories to share with her future grandchildren.

They sealed their celebration with a passionate kiss.

Video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mrs.Paintsil (@adjoa_broni)

The couple who have been married for two years were spotted at a beach resort having the time of their lives while posing for the camera.

In series of posts they made on social media, John Paintsil proved he was still in his elements, as he skillfully kicked his football about before joining his wife, whom he affectionately calls Queen P.

They were captured playing swimming pool basketball which ended in a 16:0 score in favour of Mr Paintsil.

READ ALSO

• Fans can’t stop admiring latest video of Sandra Ababio

• Sam George shares rare photos of his parents

The match turned into a romantic session when Mrs Paintsill planted a kiss on her husband’s forehead.

Fans of both lovers have hailed them, with many confessing their envy.

Photos below:

Appiah, aka ‘Tornado’, who was the first captain to lead Ghana to the FIFA World Cup in 2006, said he was touched by the death of the great woman who gave the nation a son that many look up to.

He donated 100 cartons of Excel Mineral Water towards the funeral which takes place in Accra and the Volta region on 24^th October 2020.

READ ALSO

• GFA reacts to 6 Black Stars players testing positive for Covid-19 after friendlies

• Why Partey did not start against Man City

Appiah, who is a brand ambassador for Excel Mineral Water, said they represented all Ghanaian football players and those abroad to mourn with the bereaved families.

Madam Victoria Agbotui, mother of the former president, died on Thursday, September 24 at the age of 101 after she had celebrated her birthday on Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

Former Minister of State, Dan Abodapki, on behalf of the bereaved family, announced that the burial of the late Madam Agbotui will take place in the Volta Region after funeral rites at the State House in Accra on October 24, 2020.