Ghana's Semenyo Confident Black Stars Will Make Statement in England Clash

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Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo says the Black Stars are heading into their FIFA World Cup clash with England intent on “prove a point” after grinding out a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama on Wednesday night in Toronto.

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A stoppage-time strike from Caleb Yirenkyi settled a tense Group L contest that Ghana largely struggled to control, with Panama dominating extended spells and repeatedly forcing the Black Stars onto the back foot.

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The win, however, leaves Ghana second in the group’s early standings behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

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Attention now turns to a high-stakes meeting with England on June 23 — a fixture that carries added weight given Semenyo’s England-born background.

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Reflecting on a difficult evening against Panama, ESPN reported on Friday that Semenyo admitted Ghana were second best in the opening stages as their press failed to take hold and the midfield struggled to cope with Panama’s progression through the lines.

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With Ghana stretched and Semenyo often isolated, head coach Carlos Quieroz reshaped his role during the match, moving him centrally in an attempt to stabilise the team before later restoring him to a wider position.

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“I feel like the first 15, 20 minutes we weren’t getting the press right, so he put me in the middle just to get the team up a little bit,” Semenyo said.

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“We felt like we were a little bit deep. That was the whole point of that change. But eventually, as the game opened up, he wanted me back out wide trying to get on the ball.

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“We stuck together well, didn’t concede. Like I said, it was a game about moments. We got our moment and we finished it off.”

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The decisive moment itself came in chaotic fashion, with Semenyo involved in the buildup before Yirenkyi arrived to finish off the move in stoppage time.

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The forward admitted the speed of the sequence made it difficult to fully process in real time.

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“I can’t remember what happened,” he said. “I think the ball broke loose fast, and I got it. I just wanted to play it into space for Brandon, and I thought I’d over hit the pass but he got there just in time.

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“When he got the ball, I wanted to cut back initially, but I made the run across the front post, completely missed the ball, but luckily it went to Caleb and he tapped it in.”

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The late winner sparked emotional celebrations among players and supporters, with Quieroz also acknowledging the travelling Ghana fans after the final whistle.

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Semenyo was quick to credit the atmosphere created by the supporters throughout a difficult match.

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“It was crazy.

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“The fans were loud all game for us and we appreciate them for everything and just celebrating that moment with them, teammates, family, friends. It was amazing.”

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