London — Winger Antoine Semenky has become one of Ghana’s surprise selections for the 2026 World Cup after a career that began in England’s non‑league system, according to a profile by BBC Sport.
Semenky’s early football years were spent in the lower tiers of English football. He signed with Bath City after being released by the West Bromwich Albion academy, and his performances there earned a move to Bristol City’s development squad. A series of loan spells — including a stint at Cheltenham Town in League Two — gave him regular senior minutes, but he still faced doubts about his ability to break into top‑flight football.
In 2022, Semenky secured a permanent transfer to AFC Bournemouth, then a Premier League club. He made his top‑flight debut in the 2022‑23 season and gradually earned more playing time, impressing with his pace and work‑rate on the wing. His form caught the attention of Ghana’s national team scouts, and he received his first call‑up in early 2024.
Despite having represented England at youth levels, Semenky opted to play for his parents’ homeland. He featured in Ghana’s qualifying campaign and was named in the final 26‑man squad for the World Cup, becoming one of the few players to rise from non‑league football to the tournament’s biggest stage.
Analysis:
Semenky’s trajectory underscores how perseverance and performance at lower‑league clubs can open doors to elite competition. His journey also highlights the growing trend of dual‑nationality players choosing African nations, enriching those squads with experience from European leagues.
Sources
BBC Sport, “How Semenyo overcame rejection to reach World Cup with Ghana,” https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp9p9r7gg4eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
Source: BBC Sport – Original article
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: BBC Sport — source
