As Ghana gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has challenged forward Antoine Semenyo to replicate his stellar club performances for the Black Stars, stressing that the striker has yet to fully impress supporters on the international stage.
Semenyo has enjoyed a career-best season since his high-profile £65 million move from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City, finding the net 12 times in the Premier League by early February. Despite his club success, his record with Ghana remains modest, with three goals in 32 appearances since his national team debut in 2022.
Speaking in a recent interview, Vanderpuye praised Semenyo’s exploits at City but encouraged him to translate that impact to the Black Stars setup.
“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,” Vanderpuye said.
“Up to now, he’s not been able to convince Ghanaians fully about his prolific performance when it comes to the national team.”
The former minister also highlighted Semenyo’s English birth as a potential motivator, particularly ahead of Ghana’s crucial World Cup match against England.
“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 the English,” Vanderpuye added.
With Ghana drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, expectations are mounting for Semenyo to carry his Premier League form into the tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping the Manchester City forward can deliver the decisive moments needed to propel the Black Stars past the group stage.
