Ghana striker Antoine Semenyo has insisted he is not worried about his lack of goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that helping the Black Stars succeed remains far more important than adding to his personal goal tally. The Bournemouth forward says he remains confident that his moment will come and believes that if he continues working hard for the team, the goals will eventually follow.
Semenyo arrived at the tournament as one of Ghana’s biggest attacking threats after enjoying the best season of his club career in the English Premier League. Having scored 17 goals during the 2025/26 campaign, expectations were naturally high that he would carry that impressive form into the World Cup.
Although he has yet to score in Ghana’s opening two group matches, the 25-year-old remains relaxed and focused on contributing in every other aspect of the game. Rather than allowing frustration to affect his confidence, Semenyo has embraced the demands of the role given to him by head coach Carlos Queiroz and insists the team’s success will always come before individual achievements.
With Ghana preparing for a decisive Group L encounter against Croatia, Semenyo believes maintaining the right mentality is essential as the Black Stars aim to finish the group stage on a high.
Strong Club Form Raised Expectations
Semenyo travelled to North America carrying plenty of confidence after a remarkable campaign in the Premier League, where he established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous forwards.
His 17-goal return during the 2025/26 season represented a significant milestone in his career and confirmed his growing reputation as one of Ghana’s leading attacking players. His pace, strength, intelligent movement and ability to score different types of goals made him a key player for Bournemouth throughout the season.
Those performances ensured he was selected for Ghana’s World Cup squad as arguably the country’s most in-form attacker. Many supporters expected him to become one of the Black Stars’ main sources of goals during the tournament.
While the goals have not yet arrived on the international stage, Semenyo’s overall contribution has continued to earn praise. His work rate, pressing, physical presence and willingness to help defensively have all played an important role in Ghana’s positive start to the competition.
Team Success Comes First
Speaking to reporters ahead of Ghana’s final Group L fixture against Croatia, Semenyo made it clear that he is not allowing his personal statistics to distract him from the bigger objective.
Instead, the striker says he is concentrating on doing whatever the coaching staff ask of him while remaining prepared to take advantage of any opportunities that come his way.
“I just have to be ready at the end of the day. I’m content in terms of doing what the team needs.
“I’m always on my toes and mentally ready. What the team needs is the most important, and the goals will follow.”
Those comments underline the selfless attitude that has become a key feature of Ghana’s campaign under Carlos Queiroz.
Rather than focusing on individual recognition, players throughout the squad have repeatedly emphasised the importance of teamwork, discipline and collective responsibility. That mentality has helped the Black Stars become one of the tournament’s most organised and difficult teams to break down.
Ghana’s Positive Start Eases Pressure
Although Semenyo has yet to find the back of the net, Ghana’s encouraging results have reduced any pressure on the striker.
The Black Stars began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before producing one of the defensive performances of the tournament to hold England to a goalless draw. Those results secured four valuable points and guaranteed Ghana a place in the Round of 32 before the final group match against Croatia.
Because the team has continued to collect positive results, there has been little concern over Semenyo’s lack of goals.
Instead, attention has focused on Ghana’s excellent organisation, defensive discipline and growing confidence under Queiroz. Every player has embraced his role within the system, allowing the team to compete successfully against strong opposition.
For Semenyo, contributing through pressing defenders, creating space for teammates and leading Ghana’s attacking line has been just as valuable as scoring goals.
Staying Mentally Strong
One of the biggest challenges facing any striker is remaining confident during periods without goals.
Semenyo, however, appears determined not to allow his current drought to affect his mindset. His comments demonstrate a player who understands that chances can be limited at major tournaments and that patience often becomes one of a forward’s greatest strengths.
International football is very different from club football, particularly at the World Cup, where matches are frequently decided by fine margins.
Strikers may only receive one or two genuine scoring opportunities during an entire game, making concentration and composure essential.
Semenyo believes the best way to prepare for those moments is to stay mentally sharp and continue working hard throughout every minute on the pitch.
His confidence suggests he believes a breakthrough goal is only a matter of time.
Croatia Presents New Opportunity
Saturday’s clash against Croatia could provide Semenyo with another chance to open his account at the tournament.
Unlike England, who dominated possession for long periods, Croatia may approach the match differently, potentially creating more space for Ghana’s attackers to exploit on the counterattack.
Semenyo’s pace and physicality could become valuable weapons if Croatia commit more players forward in search of victory.
The striker is expected to start once again as one of Ghana’s main attacking threats, with Queiroz likely to rely on his movement and energy to stretch the Croatian defence.
A goal against the 2018 World Cup finalists would not only end Semenyo’s wait but also provide another significant boost to his confidence ahead of the knockout stages.
Queiroz Continues to Show Faith
Despite the absence of goals, head coach Carlos Queiroz has continued to demonstrate complete faith in Semenyo.
The Portuguese manager recognises that modern forwards contribute far more than simply scoring. Semenyo’s pressing, defensive work, ability to hold up possession and willingness to make intelligent runs have all contributed to Ghana’s tactical success.
Queiroz has repeatedly praised the collective effort shown by his squad throughout the tournament, with every player sacrificing individual ambitions for the benefit of the team.
Semenyo has become an excellent example of that philosophy.
Rather than becoming frustrated, he has accepted his responsibilities and continued performing the tasks required by the coaching staff.
Knockout Stage Awaits
With Ghana already guaranteed qualification for the Round of 32, the Black Stars can approach the Croatia match with confidence while still aiming to finish at the top of Group L.
Victory could improve Ghana’s position in the knockout bracket and provide additional momentum heading into the next phase of the tournament.
For Semenyo, it also offers another opportunity to score his first World Cup goal.
Given his outstanding club form and proven finishing ability, few would bet against the striker eventually finding the net during the competition.
His calm attitude suggests he is not placing unnecessary pressure on himself, instead trusting that continued hard work will eventually be rewarded.
Focus Remains on Ghana’s Success
As Ghana prepare for one of their biggest matches of the tournament, Semenyo’s message is simple. Personal milestones are secondary to the team’s ambitions.
The Bournemouth forward knows goals are important for any striker, but he also understands that winning matches and helping the Black Stars progress is what truly matters.
His willingness to sacrifice personal glory for the team’s success reflects the strong unity that has developed within the Ghana squad under Carlos Queiroz.
With qualification already secured and confidence growing throughout the camp, Semenyo will hope to make another important contribution against Croatia. Whether that contribution comes through a goal, an assist or another tireless all-round performance, the striker remains fully committed to helping Ghana continue their impressive World Cup journey.
If he maintains that attitude and continues creating opportunities through his movement and determination, there is every reason to believe that his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not far away.
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