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.

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has cautioned the Ghana national football team against underestimating Panama national football team as they prepare to begin their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana will open their tournament against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before taking on European heavyweights Croatia national football team and England national football team in what many observers have described as a difficult Group L.

While much of the attention from fans and pundits has focused on the anticipated clash with England, Semenyo believes the opening game against Panama could prove just as crucial for Ghana’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

“It’s a tough group because you can’t underestimate Panama,” Semenyo said.
“You think it’s easy, but it’s not that easy. It will be a tough game; they won’t be a pushover.”

The 26-year-old forward is expected to play a key role for the Black Stars as they attempt to navigate the challenging group stage and reach the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Semenyo acknowledged the strength of Ghana’s other group opponents but emphasized that the team’s main goal remains advancing beyond the first round.

“Croatia and England are obviously top teams. Trying to get out of the group is what we want essentially, but it’s not going to be easy at all.”

The striker, who chose to represent Ghana internationally despite being eligible to play for England, is preparing for his second World Cup appearance after featuring at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s going to be tough, but yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” he added.

Ghana head into the tournament with a squad that is undergoing a period of transition, blending experienced players with emerging talents. Semenyo admitted that competing at the highest level will be challenging, particularly with some key players unavailable.

Nevertheless, the forward remains determined to make an impact as the Black Stars aim to rise to the occasion on football’s biggest stage and progress beyond the group phase.

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.

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.

“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.