Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo has called for calm within the Black Stars camp after their dramatic opening victory at the World Cup, insisting the team will remain focused despite the excitement generated by their winning start.
The West Africans began their campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi.
Yirenkyi’s late tap-in secured all three points for Carlos Queiroz’s side and sparked celebrations among Ghana supporters, who saw their team make a successful start to the tournament.
Attention now quickly shifts to Ghana’s second Group match, where they will face England in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the opening stage.
Despite the optimism created by the victory over Panama, Semenyo says the squad is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead and will not allow the result to alter their approach.
The Bournemouth forward was named Man of the Match following the win and addressed reporters after the game, stressing that Ghana will approach the encounter with England with both respect and confidence.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game,” Semenyo stated when questioned about the Three Lions. “We are not going to be ahead of ourselves. We want to win that game but we know it’s not going to be easy.”
His comments reflected a measured mood within the Ghana camp following a result that was only secured in the closing moments of the contest.
Against Panama, the Black Stars displayed determination and discipline throughout the match. Ghana remained organised defensively and showed resilience when faced with adversity, including an injury scare involving goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
The team maintained its structure and concentration before eventually finding the breakthrough deep into stoppage time.
Yirenkyi’s decisive goal ensured Ghana left the field with maximum points and gave them an important advantage at the beginning of the group stage.
The result has also strengthened Ghana’s hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds. With three points already secured from their opening fixture, another positive outcome against England could significantly improve their chances of advancing from the group.
For now, however, the message from within the squad appears clear.
While supporters may be dreaming of what could be achieved after such a dramatic start, the players are determined to keep their feet on the ground and focus solely on the next challenge.
England are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in the group, and Semenyo’s comments underline the respect Ghana have for their upcoming opponents. At the same time, the winger made it clear that the Black Stars will travel into the contest believing they can compete and potentially claim another important result.
After a dramatic opening-night victory secured by Yirenkyi’s late intervention, Ghana’s World Cup journey has begun in encouraging fashion. The next chapter now awaits against England, with the Black Stars hoping their disciplined approach can help them move one step closer to the knockout stage.
