Ghana forward Joseph Paintsil has expressed his disappointment for missing 2022 FIFA World Cup, after her was omitted from the final squad, despite making the provisional squad sent to FIFA.
It has been a moment that still lingered in Paintsil’s mind long after the squad list had been announced, especially as his chances of making the squad for the upcoming World Cup also appear slim.
For Joseph Paintsil, the dream of representing Ghana on football’s biggest stage had always felt within reach. He had worked relentlessly, delivering strong performances at club level and believing that his efforts would earn him a place in the national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
But when Otto Addo finally revealed the squad, Paintsil’s name was missing.
The disappointment hit hard.
Speaking later about the moment, Paintsil did not hide his feelings. He questioned the decision, struggling to understand the reasoning behind his omission. In his view, there had been no clear or justifiable explanation for why he was left out.
“I was disappointed,” he admitted, reflecting on the painful exclusion. “There was no tangible, reasonable reason for me being left out of the list.”
For a player who had given so much and expected so much, the absence wasn’t just professional, it was deeply personal. And even as time passed, the question of why remained unanswered.
Ghana have been paired with England, Panama and Croatia in Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
