Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has expressed deep disappointment that former Ghana international Laryea Kingston never had the opportunity to play at the FIFA World Cup despite his major contributions to the national team during qualification campaigns.
According to the lawmaker, Kingston’s absence from the tournaments remains one of the biggest regrets in Ghana’s World Cup history, considering the midfielder’s significant role in helping the Ghana national football team secure qualification for the global showpiece.
Kingston played a key role in Ghana’s successful qualification for both the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, despite his efforts during the qualifying stages, he did not feature in either tournament, a situation that has continued to generate debate among football fans and analysts.
Speaking in an interview with Citi Sports, Agbana said he strongly believes the former midfielder deserved the chance to represent Ghana on football’s biggest stage after the sacrifices he made during the qualification process.
“One of my regrets from the 2006 and 2010 World Cups is that Laryea Kingston did not get the chance to play,” he said.
“He fought very hard during qualification, and I believe he should have been included, even with the challenges he faced,” Agbana added.
Kingston was widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most talented midfielders during the mid-2000s. Known for his creativity, pace, and attacking flair, he played a crucial role in the national team during a period when Ghana was establishing itself as one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations.
Throughout his international career, Kingston made 41 appearances for the Black Stars and scored six goals, contributing significantly to the team’s success during the era that led to Ghana’s historic debut at the World Cup in 2006.
The Ketu North MP also touched on the issue of commitment to the national team, stressing that loyalty to Ghana should be an important factor when considering players for selection. In his view, players who have shown consistent dedication to the national cause should be given priority.
“Personally, I don’t support players who rejected Ghana in the past but later want to come back when things are going well. That is my personal view,” he stated.
Agbana’s remarks have reignited discussions among Ghanaian football supporters about past selection decisions and whether Kingston should have been given the opportunity to feature at the World Cup. Many fans still consider the midfielder one of the most unfortunate players in Ghana’s football history for missing out on the prestigious tournament despite his contributions.
As the Black Stars prepare for future World Cup campaigns, the story of Laryea Kingston continues to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by players who help teams qualify but sometimes miss out on the ultimate stage of international football.
