FIFA 2026 WCQ: Antoine Semenyo Touches Down in Ghana After Premier League Masterclass vs Kudus

FIFA 2026 WCQ: Antoine Semenyo Touches Down in Ghana After Premier League Masterclass vs Kudus

  • Antoine Semenyo is set to play a crucial role as Ghana aims for early qualification to the 2026 World Cup
  • Semenyo has already been involved in three goals from as many matches in the English Premier League, scoring twice and assisting once
  • The 25-year-old arrived in the capital on Sunday, August 31, as the Black Stars gathered ahead of their matches against Chad and Mali

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AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has arrived in Ghana as preparations begin for the Black Stars’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

The in-form striker touched down at the Kotoka International Airport on Sunday night, just a day after his highly publicised Premier League clash with Mohammed Kudus.

Antoine Semenyo arrives in Ghana, Ghana's 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Antoine Semenyo against Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo against Tottenham
Antoine Semenyo arrives in Ghana ahead of Ghana's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. Photo credit: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport/Getty, @cdrafrica/X and @GhanaBlackstars/X.
Source: Getty Images

Semenyo lands in Ghana after 'silencing' Kudus

Dressed in an all-black outfit paired with eyeglasses, Semenyo cut a stylish figure as he made his way through the arrival hall.

A video shared by sports blogger officialmeatpie18 captured the 25-year-old sharing hearty exchanges with national team skipper Jordan Ayew before later being spotted scrolling through his phone while waiting on the sidelines.

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"It's important": Kudus reflects on representing the Black Stars ahead of FIFA 2026 WCQ

Coach Otto Addo will count heavily on Semenyo for the doubleheader against Chad on September 4 and Mali on September 8, per Ghanasoccernet.

The London-born attacker has enjoyed a blistering start to the 2025–26 campaign with Bournemouth, and his sharp form is expected to carry over to the national team.

Semenyo at the start of 2025/26 EPL season

According to Transfermarkt, Semenyo has already been involved in three goals from as many matches, scoring twice and assisting once.

His most recent outing saw him put up a masterclass display as Bournemouth stunned Mohammed Kudus' Tottenham in the Premier League.

Semenyo, in particular, was a thorn in the flesh of Spurs' defence, and even Kudus, at one point, was rendered powerless against his compatriot.

See a video below:

Beyond the numbers, his explosive pace, relentless power, direct dribbling, and strength in duels have made him a nightmare for defenders in the English top flight.

Read also

Video shows how Semenyo dominated Mohammed Kudus and Tottenham

Semenyo’s performances have not gone unnoticed. His ability to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities has been central to Bournemouth’s strong start this season.

For Ghana, he will be looking to replicate that same energy, especially after finding the net on matchday five of the qualifiers against Chad earlier in the campaign.

Antoine Semenyo, Antoine Semenyo dribbles Pedro Porro, Bournemouth beats Tottenham, Ghana Black Stars, Mohammed Kudus.
Antoine Semenyo leaves Pedro Porro on the turf after winning a duel during Bournemouth's win against Tottenham in the Premier League. Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

Black Stars eye early World Cup qualification

The Black Stars know what is at stake. Victories in both September fixtures would place them firmly on the path to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

With his club form at its peak, Semenyo steps into camp not only as one of Otto Addo’s trusted men but also as a player hungry to deliver when it matters most.

Semenyo speaks after Bournemouth's win against Tottenham

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo spoke out following Bournemouth’s 1-0 victory over Mohammed Kudus’ Tottenham in North London.

Semenyo matched Kudus in completed dribbles, impressing with his close control and piercing runs that continually pressured Spurs’ defence.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe avatar

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.