As Ghana ramps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has called on forward Antoine Semenyo to translate his stellar club form to the international stage, noting that he has yet to fully convince Ghanaian fans in Black Stars colours.
Semenyo has been enjoying the best season of his career since his high-profile £65 million transfer from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City, where he has already netted 12 Premier League goals by early February. Despite his club exploits, the striker has managed just three goals in 32 appearances for the Black Stars since making his international debut in 2022.
Speaking in an interview, Vanderpuye praised Semenyo’s performances at Manchester City but urged him to deliver similar impact for the national team.
“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 so much about his prolific performance when it comes to the Black Stars.”
The former minister also highlighted Semenyo’s English roots as a potential motivator, especially ahead of Ghana’s crucial group-stage encounter with England in Group L, which also features Croatia and Panama.
“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.
As expectations mount on the Black Stars ahead of the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Semenyo will be under the spotlight to convert his Premier League brilliance into decisive performances that could propel Ghana out of the group stage and make a mark on football’s biggest stage.
