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Missing out on 2022 World Cup squad motivated me, says Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil

Football News Missing out on 2022 World Cup squad motivated me, says Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil
JUN 8, 2023 LISTEN

Ghana winger, Joseph Paintsil says missing out on the 2022 World Cup squad motivated him.

The KRC Genk winger was named in the provisional squad by the then head coach, Otto Addo but was dropped from the final 26-man squad for the tournament despite his heroics in the Belgian topflight.

Prior to the tournament in Qatar, Paintsil was the most in-form forward, scoring six goals and five assists in 13 appearances.

According to him, despite the difficulty he encountered during the period he was rather strengthened to give his best anytime he found himself on the pitch.

“It really motivated [missing out on the World Cup squad] me and I think the same week my father passed away. May his soul rest in peace. Normally if it were to be someone else it would have dimmed the spirit of the person but it rather strengthened me and I know my father would be happy,” the former Tema Youth winger told 3FM.

“I still stood on my ground and fought very hard. Even though the World Cup selection was a little bit sad from the start, I just advised myself to concentrate on my football career and just concentrate on the club and just put in everything and it just started and everything was working good for me.

He however added that, despite the disappointment, he holds no qualms against any coach because he believes their decisions must be respected.

“I felt a little bit disappointed in the past but you never know, everybody has his decision as a coach and I do need to respect it and move on as a professional footballer with a great mindset and just do what I need to do on the field of play when I’m given the opportunity.”

Paintsil reached a remarkable count of 18 goals to his name and 14 assists while being recognised as one of the best Africans playing in Belgium.

He made a return to the Black Stars squad and provided the assist for Ghana’s equaliser in the match against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (AFCON).

Paintsil will also be involved in Ghana’s next match against Madagascar as Chris Hughton eyes a slot for next year’s AFCON to be held in Ivory Coast.

Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah
Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah

Sports JournalistPage: SamuelEkowAmoasiAppiah

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