World Cup: Semenyo says Ghana ready to ‘prove a point’ against England

Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo stated the Black Stars are determined to "prove a point" against England in their upcoming FIFA World Cup clash. This follows a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, secured by a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi.

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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. 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.

The win against Panama was a tense affair, with Panama dominating large periods of the game and putting Ghana on the defensive. Despite the struggles, the victory places Ghana second in the early group standings, behind England, who defeated Croatia 4-2.

Semenyo, who was born in England, acknowledged the team's initial difficulties against Panama. He explained that the team's press was not effective in the first 15-20 minutes, leading the coach to move him centrally to help stabilize the team. He was later moved back to a wider position as the game opened up.

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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.

"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," Semenyo said about the match. The decisive goal came in a chaotic sequence, with Semenyo involved in the buildup before Yirenkyi scored. Semenyo described the speed of the play, admitting he initially thought his pass was overhit but Yirenkyi managed to reach it.

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I can’t remember what happened. 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. 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.

The late winner triggered emotional celebrations among the players and the traveling Ghana fans. Semenyo credited the supporters for their loud encouragement throughout the difficult match, calling the moment of celebration with teammates, family, and friends "amazing."

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It was crazy. 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.