Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has urged Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo to replicate his sensational club form for the Black Stars as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near.
Semenyo is currently enjoying the peak of his career after completing a £65 million move from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City in January 2026. The 24-year-old has made an immediate impact in the Premier League, netting 12 goals this season and establishing himself as one of England’s most formidable forwards.
Despite this club success, Vanderpuye believes the striker still has more to prove on the international stage. Since making his Ghana debut in 2022, Semenyo has earned 32 caps, featured at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON, and scored three goals.
Speaking to Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, Vanderpuye said:
“He’s playing wonderfully well. I would just pray that he’s able to transfer whatever he’s doing with Manchester City to the Black Stars… up to now he’s not been able to convince Ghanaians so much about his prolific performance when it comes to the national team.”
The former minister also highlighted that Semenyo’s English background could serve as extra motivation in high-profile encounters:
“You know he was born in England, and I think it is good… that is enough motivation for him to perform better when he plays against the English.”
As Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on Semenyo and his Black Stars teammates. Vanderpuye’s remarks underscore the expectations on the striker to translate his club brilliance into international success and help Ghana make a strong statement on football’s biggest stage.
