Ghana defender Tariq Lamptey has revealed the Black Stars worked hard enough not to disappoint Ghanaians at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but it was just not meant to be.

The Black Stars exited the mundial at the group stage after just one win from three games. They lost to Portugal and Uruguay while beating South Korea.

Lamptey, who was playing at a major competition for the first time with Ghana told Joy Sports in an interview the team was obsessed with doing well in Qatar.

"To be honest, we always tried our best. We worked as hard as possible and we go on the pitch to win. We weren't able to do that on this occasion but for sure in the future, we are working hard," he said.

"We believe in ourselves and we have to keep going through challenges because football is never straightforward. There are always ups and downs and you have to be able to ride it. You have to have faith in yourself and faith in the team and that is something that we have."

The Black Stars are hoping to secure a place at next year's Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Ivory Coast and face Madagascar in their penultimate qualifier away from home this month.

Tariq continues to stay out of the squad due to an injury he picked up in the latter part of the season while playing for Brighton and Hove Albion.