Antoine Semenyo has admitted Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations left the Black Stars dressing room devastated, describing the disappointment as one of the toughest moments for the national team in recent years.
For the first time in over two decades, Ghana national football team failed to secure a place at Africa’s biggest football tournament after a disastrous qualifying campaign that shocked supporters across the country.
The four-time African champions endured a difficult run in Group F, finishing bottom with just three points from six matches after recording three draws and three defeats.
Speaking in an interview with FIFA, Semenyo acknowledged the frustration within the squad but insisted the team has since responded positively by securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We were so frustrated that we didn’t qualify. It was very, very tough,” the forward admitted.
“But I feel like we’ve rectified that in terms of qualifying for the World Cup.”
Black Stars shift focus to the World Cup
Despite the painful AFCON disappointment, Semenyo says the squad is now fully focused on competing strongly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 26-year-old believes the Black Stars possess enough quality to compete against top nations and make Ghana proud on football’s biggest stage.
“But we’re not just coming to the World Cup; we want to compete on all levels,” he said.
“I feel like everyone in the team is ready to go.
“For us, we can compete with these teams. It’s just about winning games, having fun and showing the nation what we can do.”
Semenyo has emerged as one of Ghana’s most important attacking players in recent months following his outstanding club form in England.
The versatile forward enjoyed a remarkable campaign with both AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City F.C. after completing a January move to the Premier League champions.
His performances earned him a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Season award, making him the first Ghanaian player ever shortlisted for the honour.
Ghana aiming for strong World Cup campaign
Under new head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars are hoping to bounce back from recent disappointments and restore confidence ahead of the World Cup.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Mexico national football team and Panama national football team in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
The Black Stars will head into the tournament determined to improve on their recent World Cup performances after group-stage exits in both 2014 and 2022.
For Semenyo and his teammates, the World Cup now represents an opportunity to rebuild belief among Ghanaian supporters and prove the team can once again compete at the highest level of international football.
