Tariq Lamptey, a Black Stars defender, says he was taken aback after making his debut for Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Tariq was given a starting spot in Ghana’s second group game against South Korea after coming off the bench in the first game against Portugal.
The 22-year-old was one of the new faces brought in before the World Cup, and he had the chance to play for the team under Otto Addo.
Tariq told Joy Sports in an exclusive interview about his experience in Qatar, saying he was taken aback by the atmosphere when he stepped out to warm up before the game against South Korea.
“That is something that you can’t put an end to it. It was a special moment for me and my family. It was amazing. That was the first time in a football match that I have actually looked around and properly soaked up everything that was happening,” he said.
“Before the game, I was on the pitch for the warm-up and I was like ‘wow! I can’t believe I am here.’ I was so grateful to God for the position that I was in.
“I was thinking now it is time to go out there and do the job and bring it home for the team and I saw what we were able to do on the day. It was an amazing day and one that I will remember.”
Tariq is currently nursing an injury and hopes to be fit in time for the next international assignment.
