Antoine Semenyo
* Ninety minutes + five… I don’t even know how to describe that emotion—forward Antoine Semenyo on late winning goal scored scored by Caleb Yirenkyi
* We were all so relieved because we knew how important this game was for us and also because it gives us a confidence boost going into the next game
Maravi Express
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo believes the Black Stars’ dramatic opening victory over Panama has given the team the confidence and belief needed to face the even greater challenges that lie ahead at the FIFA World Cup™ 2026.
The Bournemouth forward was one of Ghana’s standout performers as Carlos Queiroz’s side secured a dramatic 1-0 victory in Toronto on Wednesday, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time to hand the Black Stars a priceless three points in their Group L opener.
The victory placed the four-time Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) champions in a strong position heading into their crucial clash against England-who-defeated-Croatia-4-2.
For Semenyo, however, the emotion of the moment was about more than just securing three points.
“Ninety minutes + five… I don’t even know how to describe that emotion,” said Antoine Semenyo when asked by FIFA about the moment that sent Black Stars fans into raptures in the stands. “We were all so relieved because we knew how important this game was for us and also because it gives us a confidence boost going into the next game.”
The winning goal arrived after Ghana had spent much of the evening battling a determined Panama side that refused to yield.
Although the Black Stars struggled to create clear openings at times, they remained patient and eventually found a breakthrough through Yirenkyi’s first international goal.
The result was a reward for Ghana’s persistence and willingness to keep fighting until the final whistle. Semenyo praised the physical contest and admitted the Panamanians provided exactly the type of challenge Ghana expected.
“They [Panama] had some quite big guys to be honest, but we like that physicality,” Semenyo explained.
“That’s what we thrive off and I thought it was a really good match-up today.”
The victory also earned Semenyo the Player of the Match award, recognition for a tireless display that saw him trouble Panama’s defence throughout the contest.
Despite the celebrations, the Ghana forward was quick to remind supporters and teammates that the job is far from finished.
“I am so happy to say that we’ve got that win, but we can’t take our foot off the gas. We now have two important games and big challenges ahead of us.”
The next of those challenges comes against England, who currently sit level on points with Ghana at the top of Group L and the meeting between the two sides is already being billed as one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures involving an African team at the tournament.
“It is going to be really tough and that is why we needed this win and the confidence to potentially help us into the next round,” said Semenyo. “We feel like with this team, we’ve got talent, we’ve got a point to prove, and I feel like that’s the driving force for us.”
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For Semenyo, the encounter will carry an added personal dimension. Having spent his entire club career in England, he will come up against several familiar faces from the Premier League and players he considers friends away from international football.
Yet the 26-year-old insists friendships will be put aside once the match begins: “Of course, they’re my friends and there’s love there, but now it’s just time to focus.
“We had a little bit of banter before we left for the World Cup, but I don’t think there is going to be any more. I don’t think I will be texting anybody from the England team.
“If they text me, then I’ll reply. But it’s a serious competition, so it is just time to lock in.”
After the late drama against Panama, Ghana’s players now head into the England showdown with renewed belief that they can challenge anyone on football’s biggest stage.
For Semenyo and the Black Stars, the victory in Toronto may prove to be only the beginning of a much bigger World Cup story.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s fellow African representatives, South Africa refused to let their FIFA World Cup dream fade away as a late Teboho Mokoena penalty earned them a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta — keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages firmly alive ahead of their last group encounter on Wednesday, June 24 against South Korea, who beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match.
Facing the prospect of a second consecutive defeat after their opening loss to Mexico, Hugo Broos’ side showed resilience, determination and growing belief to recover from an early setback and claim a precious point at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With both teams beaten in their opening Group A fixtures, the encounter carried enormous significance. Victory would breathe life into qualification ambitions while defeat would leave the loser facing an uphill battle to survive in the competition.
South Africa’s task became more difficult almost immediately. For the second match running, Bafana were punished by a slow start as the Czech Republic struck after only six minutes.
With nine minutes remaining, Maseko’s effort struck the arm of Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area. After the referee pointed to the spot, Mokoena stepped forward with the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders.
The midfielder remained calm under immense pressure and confidently sent Kovar the wrong way to level the score and spark celebrations among the South African supporters.
The result keeps South Africa’s qualification into knockout stages within reach heading into their final group fixture and while victory eluded them, Bafana’s response after conceding early will encourage coach Hugo Broos and his players.
Against a disciplined European opponent, South Africa showed the fighting spirit, organisation and resilience required to compete on football’s biggest stage.
Their World Cup future remains in their own hands and the mission is simple — build on this performance, keep believing, and take the fight into the final group match.
After Mokoena’s cool finish kept the dream alive in Atlanta, Bafana Bafana are still standing.—Reporting by CAFonline; editing by Maravi Express
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