Antoine Semenyo described scenes of wild celebration in the Black Stars dressing room after Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama, saying everyone’s going crazy as the team secured three vital World Cup points. The forward revealed he nearly missed the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s winner but said the team stuck together defensively and capitalized on key moments.
Looking ahead to Ghana’s clash with England, Semenyo said the team want to prove a point and are not getting ahead of themselves. He also credited time spent working under Pep Guardiola for shaping his game, calling the former Manchester City manager one of the best in the world.
Here is what he told ghanafa.org after the victory over Panama
On emotions after the win
Everyone’s going crazy in the changing room right now, to be honest. I feel like the emotions were more celebrating and said it all. We really wanted to win the game and we’re happy we got the three points.
On the game
Panama had a lot of moments where they dominated on the ball, and we just needed to stay in our shape and press at the right times. We stuck together well, didn’t concede and like I said, it was a game about moments, we got our moment and we finished off.
On the build up to the goal
I can’t remember what happened. I think the ball broke loose and I got it. I just wanted to play into the space for Brandon and I thought I’d overhit the pass, but he got there just in time. When he got the ball, I wanted to cut back initially, but I made a run across the front post and completely missed the ball. Luckily, it went to Caleb and he tapped it in.
On belief going int the game against England
We know it’s going to be a tough game. I feel like we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. We know we want to win that game, but we know it’s not going to be easy either. Make sure we recover well now and make sure we train well leading up to the England game.
On exuberant celebrations after the game and the manager going to the supporters section
Yeah, it was crazy. The fans were loud all game for us and we appreciate them for everything. Just celebrating that moment with them, teammates, family, friends. Yeah, it’s amazing.
On time with Pep Guardiola and its impact
Yeah, he’s been to me a lot. I think I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s unbelievable. One of the best managers in the world. I’m glad to say I’ve worked with him for six months. He taught me a lot. I’m definitely going to be using that now and for the future.
On tactical changes during the game
I feel like the first 15-20 minutes we weren’t getting the press right. They put me in the middle just to get the team up a little bit. We felt like we were a little bit deep. That was the whole point of that change. Eventually, as the game opened up, he wanted me back out wide trying to get on the ball. That was the cheer.
On facing Manchester City teammates in the next game
It’s going to be different for sure. I’m looking forward to the challenge. I think everyone in the Ghana team is looking forward to it. We want to prove a point. I’m just going to leave that message out there.
On first half struggle and switch in second half
Like I said, Panama had a great first half. They kept the ball really well. We struggled in the press as individuals out wide, up front, couldn’t get the ball, couldn’t get shots away. The coach just said, we just need to be brave. We need to start pressing as a team. Slowly, into the second half, we had that energy to go up and press and cause problems. That led to the winner.
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