Antoine Semenyo put in a tireless shift but found little to show for it in front of goal as Ghana ground out a 1-0 win over Panama in their 2026 World Cup Group L opener, a match that demanded more graft than glamour from the Black Stars’ attacking line.
Operating in Ghana’s forward line alongside Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana, Semenyo was tasked with stretching Panama’s defense from the left, a job he carried out with characteristic energy even as the service around him dried up for long stretches.
The Manchester City forward’s evening was defined more by what he did away from the ball than what he produced with it. He pressed relentlessly when Panama had possession, tracked back diligently to help Ghana’s shape, and made repeated runs in behind the defensive line in search of an opening.
Despite not having a 100% day, Semenyo gave crucial passes more often than we’d have thought.
By full time, his contribution showed no goal, a quiet night by the standards of one of Ghana’s most dangerous attacking weapons in the team. However, his physical presence proved useful in transition moments, helping the Black Stars hold up play and buy time as Queiroz’s side searched for rhythm against a stubborn Panamanian back line.
Much of Ghana’s threat came not from sustained, structured build-up but from late surges of pressure, a approach that limited the kind of service Semenyo thrives on. It meant his involvement, while constant, rarely translated into clear-cut chances.
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That changed, fittingly, as the match wore down. Semenyo grew more active in the closing stages, playing his part in the buildup phase that ultimately produced Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner, a goal born from sustained pressure involving multiple attackers rather than any single moment of individual magic.
In the end, this was a team-first, tactically disciplined performance rather than a standout individual outing for Semenyo. His movement and intensity kept Panama honest throughout, but Ghana’s attack lacked the sharp, consistent service needed to fully showcase what he brings, a reminder that even on a winning night, not every story is one of individual brilliance.
Antoine Semenyo was officially named FIFA Man of the Match after an assist involving himself and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Well played by Semenyo and the Black Stars — a strong start to their campaign!