Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo has reportedly left the Black Stars camp for personal reasons and will be unavailable for Ghana’s international friendly against South Korea on Tuesday.
Semenyo, who captained the team during Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup, exited the squad in Seoul. His departure adds to the challenges facing coach Otto Addo, as Ghana is already managing several key absences. Notable players missing the trip include Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku, each sidelined for various reasons.
The 25-year-old forward has been a vital member of the national team in recent years, scoring three goals in 32 appearances. His leadership in the Japan match was particularly significant, guiding a young, injury-hit squad through a challenging encounter despite the defeat.
Semenyo’s exit now leaves Addo with the task of adjusting Ghana’s attacking options and leadership structure ahead of the South Korea friendly, which forms part of the Black Stars’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Analysts suggest the team will need to rely on other emerging talents and remaining experienced players to maintain stability in attack.
Reports indicate that Semenyo will shift his focus back to his club duties at Bournemouth, with speculation surrounding his future pointing toward potential moves to several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City. His absence from the international setup could provide him the opportunity to concentrate on securing a transfer or solidifying his role at his current club.
The Black Stars, meanwhile, continue to navigate a period marked by absences and squad rotation, highlighting the importance of squad depth as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Addo will likely use the friendly against South Korea to assess new combinations and strategies, ensuring that the team remains competitive despite missing key players.
While Semenyo’s leadership and attacking prowess will be missed, the upcoming match provides an opportunity for other forwards and midfielders to step up and stake their claim for the national team. Observers note that how the Black Stars adapt to these absences will be critical in building cohesion ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and preparatory friendlies.
The departure of Semenyo underscores the balancing act faced by national team coaches, who must manage player availability, injuries, and club commitments while maintaining competitiveness on the international stage. Ghana’s supporters will now watch closely to see how the squad adjusts and who will fill the leadership vacuum left by the experienced striker.
As preparations continue, the friendly against South Korea remains an important test for the Black Stars, providing insights into tactical flexibility, squad resilience, and leadership under pressure. Despite the challenges, the Ghanaian squad remains focused on building momentum for the upcoming 2026 World Cup campaign.
