Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has expressed hope that Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo can translate his outstanding club form into consistent performances for the Black Stars as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Semenyo is currently enjoying the most prolific spell of his career after completing a blockbuster £65 million transfer from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City in January 2026. The forward has hit the ground running at the Etihad, scoring 12 Premier League goals by early February and cementing his status as one of the league’s in-form attackers.

However, Vanderpuye believes the 26-year-old still has work to do on the international stage. Since making his Black Stars debut in 2022, Semenyo has featured at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, earning 32 caps and scoring three goals for Ghana.

Speaking to Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Vanderpuye said Ghanaians are keen to see the Manchester City forward reproduce the same sharpness and consistency when wearing the national colours.

“He’s playing wonderfully well. I would just pray that he’s able to transfer whatever he’s doing with Manchester City to the Black Stars,” Vanderpuye said. “Up to now, he’s not been able to convince Ghanaians so much about his prolific performance when it comes to the Black Stars.”

He added that Semenyo’s English upbringing could serve as extra motivation, particularly in big matches against top opposition.

“You know he was born in England, and I think that is good. That should be enough motivation for him to perform even better, especially when he plays against the English,” he noted.

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, attention is increasingly shifting to Semenyo and his teammates as Ghana aims to make a strong impact on football’s biggest stage.