Football Presse

Exclusive: Man City ace Antoine Semenyo eyes Croatia scalp as Ghana target place in World Cup knockouts

·By Chris Beattie, Editor
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Exclusive: Man City ace Antoine Semenyo eyes Croatia scalp as Ghana target place in World Cup knockouts

Ahmad Tea

Antoine Semenyo says Ghana are determined to keep their World Cup dream alive as the Black Stars prepare for a decisive final Group L clash against Croatia on Saturday night.

After earning an impressive draw against tournament favourites England, Ghana head into the final round of group fixtures knowing another positive result could secure a place in the knockout stages and mark a significant step forward from their disappointing campaign four years ago.

For Semenyo, the ambition is clear: extend Ghana's stay at the tournament and give the country's supporters even more reason to celebrate.

Speaking in his role as Ahmad Tea's new Global Brand Ambassador, the Manchester City forward told Football Presse: "Last time we didn't get out of the group and it was a huge disappointment, but this time, if we can get through, then who knows what will happen.

"We are here to win, we want to make the Ghana fans happy and the longer we are in the tournament the bigger the party will be!"

Standing between Ghana and the knockout rounds are Croatia, finalists at the 2022 World Cup and once again led by the evergreen Luka Modrić.

Despite turning 40 earlier this year, the Croatian captain continues to perform at the highest level, something that has come as little surprise to Semenyo.

Antoine Semenyo - Ahmad Tea
Antoine Semenyo - Ahmad Tea
"Everyone thought the last World Cup would be his last, the same as Messi and Ronaldo but they all are back again. Modric is still playing at the top level so not really surprised. It will be great to share the pitch with a great player like him."

Modrić has long been one of the players Semenyo has admired most, even though the pair occupy very different positions on the pitch.

"Of course. He plays a very different position to me but he's been one of the best midfielders of the current era. You learn something from every player. I grew up watching Didier Drogba which taught me a lot, but Modric is so good to watch, a great passer of the ball, technically outstanding and incredible reading of the game."

Saturday's encounter will also reunite Semenyo with familiar faces from the Premier League, including Manchester City teammates Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić.

However, any friendships will be forgotten for 90 minutes as Ghana chase a place in the last 32.

"Like the England guys, I'm sure there will be some messages in the build up. It will be great to see them and I hope we can get the better of them but they're two great players who won't make it easy for us."

Confidence has continued to grow inside the Ghana camp after frustrating England, with the Black Stars showing they can compete with one of the tournament favourites.

Now they have another opportunity to underline their credentials against one of international football's most experienced sides.

Victory over Croatia would not only secure one of the biggest results of Ghana's recent history, but also send the Black Stars into the knockout rounds believing they can challenge anyone left in the competition.

For Semenyo, the mission remains straightforward: keep Ghana winning, keep the supporters dreaming and make sure the celebrations back home continue for as long as possible.

Antoine Semenyo is the new Global Brand Ambassador for Ahmad Tea, one of the world's leading family-owned tea companies. For more information about Ahmad Tea and its commitment to quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, visit www.ahmadtea.com.