Semenyo Reveals Ghana’s Defensive Strategy Against England in World Cup Clash
Black Stars forward says disciplined defending was key to securing crucial result against tournament favourites
By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | June 24, 2026
Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has disclosed that Ghana adopted a defensive approach against England during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L encounter, acknowledging the quality of the opposition and the need for tactical discipline.
Speaking after the highly anticipated clash, Semenyo said Ghana had to remain compact and defend resolutely for large portions of the game as England dominated possession and pressed relentlessly in search of goals.
We had to defend against England,” Semenyo said, explaining that the Black Stars understood the challenge posed by one of the tournament favourites and prepared accordingly.
The AFC Bournemouth attacker praised his teammates for their determination, discipline, and commitment throughout the match, noting that every player contributed defensively to frustrate the English side.
According to Semenyo, Ghana’s tactical plan required players to remain organized, close spaces quickly, and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities whenever they arose. The strategy ultimately helped the Black Stars secure a valuable result that strengthened their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.
The forward, who scored Ghana’s winning goal in the team’s opening victory over Panama, emphasized that playing against top-quality opposition such as England demanded sacrifice from every member of the squad.
He also commended the technical team for devising a game plan that enabled the Black Stars to remain competitive against a side boasting several world-class players competing in Europe’s elite leagues.
Ghana’s disciplined display earned widespread praise from supporters and football analysts, many of whom lauded the team’s resilience, defensive organization, and fighting spirit.
The result leaves the Black Stars in a strong position as they prepare for their final Group L fixture against Croatia, with qualification to the Round of 16 still firmly within their grasp.
With momentum building and confidence growing within the squad, Semenyo expressed optimism about Ghana’s chances of progressing further in the tournament.
“We believe in ourselves, and we know what we are capable of achieving,” he said.
