Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has declared that Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has become the new face of Ghanaian football, as the 28-year-old prepares to shoulder massive expectations at the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking at a PUMA event in New York during the launch of Ghana’s new World Cup kit, Gyan warned that Semenyo will carry the weight of the nation on his shoulders this summer. 

“There will be a lot of pressure on Semenyo going to the World Cup, People back home have questions about his performance for the national team, but as a former player and striker, I understand what he’s going through.

He’s the face of Ghana football right now because of his position and what he has done for himself.

Everything is going to depend on Antoine Semenyo for this World Cup.”  Gyan said

Semenyo’s rapid rise has fueled these high hopes.

After an impressive first half of the season with Bournemouth, where he scored 10 Premier League goals and provided three assists.

He joined Manchester City in January and continued his fine form at the Etihad, adding seven more league goals to finish as the third-highest scorer in the Premier League, and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. 

The former Black Stars skipper praised Semenyo’s all-round qualities, noting his ability with both feet, agility, pace, and strength.

“He has done so well for himself,” Gyan added. 

However, Ghana’s preparations for the tournament have been less than ideal.

Under new head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars are yet to secure a single victory in any friendly match since qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

They have suffered defeats against Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany, and most recently Mexico.

The team will be hoping to finally taste victory in their last warm-up game against Wales today.

Gyan expressed confusion over the team’s inconsistent form, particularly their failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations despite strong World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana face Wales in a final friendly before opening their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18, followed by clashes with England and Croatia.