John Paintsil optimistic Ghana will qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup

Former Black Stars defender, John Paintsil has expressed optimism in the chances of Ghana securing a place to feature at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After two matches in Group G of the African qualifiers, Ghana sits second on the standings and trails the group leaders South Africa by just a point.

With fears the team might not secure qualification because it lacks players in the top clubs in Europe, John Paintsil says he disagrees with that assertion.

According to the former Fulham full-back, Ghana still has good players and should be able to compete well enough to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

“During my time, most of us were doing well in our clubs. It was very competitive with many of us playing in the English Premier League, some in Europe playing Europa League and Champions League.

“If you check the stats – it doesn’t matter whether it is in Asia or wherever as long as they are playing very well,” John Paintsil told BBC Sports Africa in an interview.

The former Ghana international added, “Captain Andre Ayew has banged in three (now four) goals already (at Qatari club Al Sadd), Jordan plays every week (at Crystal Palace) and he’s still on it.

“I believe playing more matches together will help them. I don’t think not playing for major clubs in Europe will be a problem for the Black Stars.”

Ghana will aim for a win on Saturday when the Black Stars take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the third match of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.