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Anthony Baffoe Calls for Greater Support for Antoine Semenyo in Black Stars Setup

Former Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe has urged players of the Ghana national football team to do more to support forward Antoine Semenyo, stressing that stronger teamwork will help the striker perform better for the national side.

Semenyo, 26, has been one of the standout performers at club level this season, enjoying impressive form with Manchester City. However, his performances with the Black Stars have not matched his club success, having scored only three goals since making his senior debut nearly five years ago.

Baffoe highlights difference between club and national team

Speaking to journalists at the residence of the German Ambassador in Accra during a watch party for the friendly match between Ghana and Germany national football team on March 30, Baffoe explained that Semenyo’s situation with the national team is very different from his club environment.

According to the former defender, the forward thrives in a structured and high-performing team at club level, but the current Black Stars setup is still trying to find stability.

Baffoe also pointed out that several key players were either unavailable or not fully fit during the recent international fixtures.

He noted that Mohammed Kudus missed the games, while Kamaldeen Sulemana had only just returned from injury. Midfielder Thomas Partey was also not fully fit during the matches.

Teammates must help create chances

Baffoe added that if the Black Stars squad can return to full strength and improve their overall performances, Semenyo will naturally benefit from better service in attack.

He also praised Jordan Ayew for his energetic display during the Germany game, saying the forward was very active throughout the match.

According to Baffoe, once the team’s key attacking players regain full fitness and form, they will be able to supply Semenyo with better opportunities in front of goal.

Difficult international window for Ghana

Despite scoring 15 goals across competitions this season at club level, Semenyo struggled to make a major impact during Ghana’s March international fixtures.

The Black Stars suffered defeats to the Austria national football team and Germany, results that have raised concerns about the team’s current form.

Focus now shifts to World Cup preparations

Ghana will now aim to regroup ahead of upcoming friendly matches against the Mexico national football team and Wales national football team in May.

These matches will serve as key preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama national football team, England national football team and Croatia national football team.

With the tournament approaching, Ghana will be hoping their attacking players can find better chemistry and improve their performances on the international stage.

Antoine Semenyo scored before halftime and title-chasing Manchester City required a whole lot of resolve to hold off Leeds for a 1-0 win at Elland Road on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side put the pressure back on Arsenal, who play Chelsea on Sunday and are two points clear of Man City.

Feisty Leeds were very good early and late but Ruben Dias, Rodri, and the City defensive structure soaked up plenty of pressure to help Gianluigi Donnarumma keep another clean sheet.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke was shown a red card after the final whistle for a furious remonstration at the officiating crew, as the hosts stall on 31 points in 15th place. They stay six points clear of the bottom three.

As the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 World Cup event, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in-form Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has voiced excitement about the team’s prospects.

At the world championship, the West African football powerhouses are placed in Group L with European powerhouses England, 2018 finalists Croatia, and Panama.

On June 17 in Toronto, the Black Stars will play their first World Cup match against Panama. On June 23 in Boston, they will play England. On June 27, Ghana will play their last group match against Croatia, the 2018 finalists, in Philadelphia.

The top-performing Ghanaian player, Semenyo, has confirmed that the Black Stars can contend with the top players in the competition.

“We want to show people around the world that Ghana is one of the top nations and we can compete with the best,” Semenyo told CBS Sports.

Amid some light-hearted banter between Semenyo and his England-based counterparts, the Ghanaian attacker has expressed belief in his outfit to upset England at the mundial.

“There’s been a bit of small talk [with English players], but as Ghanaians, we know it’s going to be a bit of a challenge,” he admitted. “They are a star-studded team. They have so many top-class players, but we believe in ourselves.”

The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots, with Ghana no exception.

It will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.

In order to maximize forward Antoine Semenyo’s effect on the national team, former Ghanaian international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has directly pleaded with Black Stars coach Otto Addo to use Semenyo on the wing rather than as a central striker.

Speaking on Akoma FM in Kumasi, Agyemang-Badu said that Ghana is playing the Manchester City player out of position. “Semenyo is not a natural number 9, and we should stop forcing him into that role,” the former midfielder said. “He is more effective on the wings, just as Manchester City are currently using him.”

His comments come as Semenyo enjoys a spectacular start to his career at Manchester City. Since his high-profile £65 million move from Bournemouth in January, the 25-year-old has scored three goals and provided one assist in his first four appearances, quickly becoming a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Agyemang-Badu emphasized that Semenyo’s current form and preferred role at his club should dictate his position for Ghana, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. “He is our poster boy at the moment, and the coach must play him in his preferred position so we can get the very best out of him,” Agyemang-Badu stressed.

“Playing Semenyo on the wings, rather than as a central striker, will allow him to reach his full potential and give the Black Stars an attacking edge in critical matches.”

The former Udinese star’s contribution adds his respected voice to the tactical conversation around the Black Stars, arguing that maximizing Semenyo’s role could be essential to Ghana’s success as they prepare for the global championship in North America.

Ivory Coast icon Didier Drogba is admired by Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo, who claims that Drogba’s style of play is perfect for him.

After a strong start to the current season, Semenyo, who plays for AFC Bournemouth, has drawn a lot of attention ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Black Stars attacker claimed that the two-time Africa Footballer of the Year had a significant impact on his game, expressing his admiration for the former Chelsea player.

Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo reveals admiration for Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba

“I’ve always aspired to play like him. Excellent shooting technique, strength, and speed… He simply fits my style of play. “Left foot, right foot, can head the ball.” He uttered those words.

Semenyo is expected to be at the centre of a transfer bidding war in the winter transfer window, with a £65 million release clause in his contract at Bournemouth set to be active in January.

With several clubs aware of the situation, it is understood that they are circling to bid for the Black Stars forward.

Bournemouth had previously ruled out a January sale of Semenyo in an attempt to keep the forward for the foreseeable future.

But with his £65 million release clause set to be active in the next transfer window, the pacey Ghanaian forward to depart the Vitality Stadium for a new challenge.

According to reports, Antoine Semenyo departs the Black Stars camp and misses the friendly match against South Korea.

According to reports, Antoine Semenyo, a striker for Bournemouth, left the Black Stars camp for personal reasons, therefore he won’t be able to play in Ghana’s international friendly against South Korea on Tuesday.

Semenyo, who led the squad in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup loss to Japan 2-0, has left the team’s Seoul camp and will not play in the next game.

With players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku missing the trip for a variety of reasons, the Black Stars are currently dealing with a number of significant absences.

Antoine Semenyo reportedly leaves Black Stars camp

With three goals in 32 games for the national team, the 25-year-old attacker has been a key player for Ghana in recent years. He led a young and injury-plagued team through a difficult match in the Kirin Challenge Cup against Japan, demonstrating remarkable leadership.

As part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Semenyo’s absence will force coach Otto Addo to modify his attacking options and leadership structure before to the friendly match against South Korea.

The forward’s attention is reportedly anticipated to return to his club responsibilities at Bournemouth, with many elite European teams, such as Manchester City and Liverpool, being linked to his future.

After an incredible Premier League debut, Ghanaian sensation Antoine Semenyo is predicted to join Real Madrid.

If Antoine Semenyo keeps up his outstanding play for Bournemouth this season, former Watford captain Troy Deeney thinks he has a chance to play for Real Madrid.

Semenyo has been one of the Premier League’s best players, helping the Cherries move up to second place. Under manager Andoni Iraola, the Ghanaian forward has played a crucial role, contributing six goals and three assists in just nine games.

Details On Antoine Semenyo's Real Madrid Move

“I just don’t know if Semenyo can keep it up, do you know what I mean,” Deeney stated in an interview with talkSPORT. God, if he does, he will most likely play for Real Madrid. However, I think he’s excellent, strong, and straightforward.”

Semenyo is becoming one of the league’s most dangerous forwards thanks to his strength, speed, and improved finishing. Pundits have taken notice of his performances, and elite European clubs are keeping an eye on his development.

The 25-year-old, who moved from Bristol City to Bournemouth, has developed quickly under Iraola’s offensive scheme. Deeney’s commendation contributes to the increasing awareness of Semenyo’s development into a full-fledged forward with elite performance potential.

The upcoming months may be critical to Semenyo’s ascent to international fame, with Bournemouth vying for the top spot and Ghana getting ready for the 2026 World Cup.

Antoine Semenyo, a Ghanaian striker, is eager to improve his performance with AFC Bournemouth in the upcoming campaign.

Semenyo is committed to improving his abilities after having an incredible 2024–25 season in which he scored 11 Premier League goals and recorded five assists.

“I want to take my game to the next level”- Antoine Semenyo

“I want to take my game to the next level. And, I feel like this season, coming, I’ll be able to do that with the team that we have. So I’m looking forward to it,” Semenyo told the club’s media.

Despite growing interest from other clubs, Semenyo recently committed to Bournemouth by signing a contract extension through 2030.

When Bournemouth plays Liverpool in their season opener at Anfield on August 19, the Ghanaian forward will try to get off to a fast start.