Ghanaian defender Tariq Lamptey delivered an outstanding performance as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup, earning him the Man of the Match award.
The dynamic full-back, deployed in an advanced role, played a crucial part in Brighton’s success at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday.
Chelsea initially took the lead after Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. However, the Seagulls remained composed and fought back, with Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma finding the net to seal their spot in the next round.
Lamptey’s impact on the game was undeniable.
Despite his small frame, the 24-year-old dominated proceedings, registering the most tackles, duels won, and dribbles completed in the match. His explosive pace and relentless pressing disrupted Chelsea’s defense while providing Brighton with a key outlet for counterattacks.
With three goals and two assists in just 14 matches this season, Lamptey has established himself as a vital player for Brighton. His impressive form could earn him a place in Otto Addo’s Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar next month.
