John Paintsil of Ghana celebrates after winning the 2013 Afcon match against NigerJohn Paintsil celebrates after winning the 2013 Afcon match against Niger (Getty)

Ghana's World Cup miss is a blessing in disguise, says Paintsil

Former Ghana defender John Paintsil says the country's failure to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup holding in Russia could create an opportunity for a good campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars finished third in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers behind Egypt and Uganda with seven points.

“Failure to qualify for the World Cup has been an eye opener for us and must encourage us to win the 2019 Afcon title,” Pantsil told Ghanasoccernet.com.

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“We need to learn our mistakes from our inability to qualify for the World Cup and turn things around. We have to win the Afcon by any means possible.

“It’s a must win trophy and the players must understand that [ambition]," he added.

Although, there have been concerns about the technical abilities of Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, Paintsil insists he is a good coach and trust he can deliver.

"I however trust [Kwesi Appiah and] the technical team of the Black Stars can guide the country to lift the trophy,” he added.

Paintsil, who until recently was the assistant coach of Kaizer Chiefs, was part of the Ghana squad that participated in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup editions. He boasts of 89 caps.

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