Legendary Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan has suggested that the general public will have high expectations of Antoine Semenyo as the Black Stars head for their fifth FIFA World Cup tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The former Black Stars captain cited the latter’s impressive performances for Bournemouth and Manchester City in the just-ended 2025/26 football season.
He, however, observed Semenyo’s inability to translate his outstanding club-level performance when he wears the national team colors, a situation he believes will lead to high hopes among the wider Ghanaian football community.
“There will be a lot of pressure on Semenyo going to the World Cup. People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes.
“There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world, and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations,” Gyan told SkySportsNews.
He emphasized that “Everything is going to depend on Antoine Semenyo for this World Cup.”
Gyan, in his view, added that Antoine Semenyo currently embodies the status quo as the face of Ghana football based on his personal achievements at club level.
“He’s the face of Ghana football right now because of his position and what he has done for himself,” the former Black Stars skipper told the UK-based media outlet.
Antoine Semenyo had stellar performances at AFC Bournemouth, scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists in 20 league matches before his January transfer to Manchester City, where he scored 7 times with 1 assist.
He capped off his display by helping Pep Guardiola’s side win the English Football League (EFL) Cup and the FA Cup, scoring the decisive goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup. Man City finished as runners-up to Arsenal in the Premier League.
