Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has cast the spotlight on Antoine Semenyo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the forward must now deliver convincingly for Ghana.
The Manchester City attacker is riding high after completing a blockbuster £65 million transfer from AFC Bournemouth earlier this year.
While Semenyo’s performances in England have drawn widespread praise, expectations remain far higher whenever he pulls on the Black Stars jersey.
Vanderpuye believes that gap between club excellence and international impact still needs to be closed.
Since making his senior debut in 2022, the 26-year-old has represented Ghana at the World Cup and AFCON, recording 32 appearances and three goals.
In an interview with Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Vanderpuye acknowledged the player’s impressive rise in Europe.
“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… 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 stressed that national-team performances often define legacies more than club success.
Attention will therefore be firmly on Semenyo as Ghana target a strong showing on football’s biggest stage.
The Black Stars face Panama first on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia on June 23 and 27.
