Antoine Semenyo: “There are high expectations playing for Ghana”

Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo reflected on the high expectations that come with representing Ghana in international competition.

The 26-year-old has struggled to replicate his strong club form with the Black Stars, where he is capped 34 times with paltry 3 goals to show for his efforts.

He showed grit and potency at Bournemouth and has given the same dosage since joining Manchester City. Speaking in an interview with All Out Football, Semenyo explained how demanding the environment can be for players.

“In Ghana the expectation is, every ball I touch has to be in the back of the net. If it’s not, you’re crap. That’s how they are,” he said.

“They love football over there. Football is everything.”

“In Ghana, the expectation is every ball I touch has to be in the back of the net. If it’s not, you’re crap. That’s how they are. They love football over there. Football is everything.”

Antoine Semenyo on playing for the Black Stars.

Via @ItsAllOutFooty #JoySports pic.twitter.com/KzQpgDIgCk

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) April 17, 2026

Semenyo is expected to play a crucial role for the Black Stars as they prepare to face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted in Mexico, Canada and USA.

Semenyo’s first competitive goal for Ghana came in the sixth minute of stoppage time in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola on 23 March 2023, giving the Black Stars a 1–0 win.

Antoine Semenyo goal for Ghana Black Stars against Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. pic.twitter.com/SOP3LHPYLE

— Andydotcom (@Andydotcom_gh) March 23, 2023

He was named in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making two substitute appearances against Portugal and Uruguay as the Black Stars exited at the group stage.

At Manchester City this season, Semenyo has bagged five goals and one assist from ten league matches.