We want to win that game – Semenyo on Black stars game against England

Two Ghanaian football players in yellow uniforms celebrate on the field as a cheering crowd looks on in the stands.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 18, 2026

Black Stars winger Antoine Semenyo has urged Ghana to remain focused despite opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic late victory over Panama.

Ghana secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in their Group L opener at BMO Field in Toronto, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring deep into stoppage time to break the deadlock in a contest that looked destined to end goalless.

The victory handed Carlos Queiroz’s side a perfect start to the tournament, but Semenyo insisted there is no room for complacency as tougher challenges lie ahead.

The Manchester City forward, who was named Man of the Match for an influential display, said the Black Stars are already turning their attention to their next fixture against England.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game,” Semenyo said after the match.

“We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. We want to win that game, but we know it won’t be easy.”

The result puts Ghana in a strong position in Group L ahead of two crucial matches against England at Gillette Stadium on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June.

The four-time African champions will be aiming to build on their winning start as they seek a place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

With confidence boosted by their dramatic opening victory, Ghana will hope to maintain their momentum against two of the group’s strongest opponents as they continue their quest for World Cup success.