“We were unlucky not to get that goal”- Semenyo reflects on Ghana’s hard-fought draw against England

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has praised the Black Stars’ discipline and determination after they secured a valuable 0-0 draw against England in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Bournemouth striker admitted that Ghana spent large periods of the contest without possession but insisted the team executed its game plan perfectly against one of the tournament favourites.

England dominated proceedings at Boston Stadium, controlling possession and dictating the tempo for much of the match. However, despite enjoying 79 percent of the ball—the highest recorded possession by a team that failed to score in a World Cup match in six decades—the Three Lions were unable to find a way past Ghana’s stubborn defenc

Speaking after the game, Semenyo acknowledged the challenge posed by England but credited his teammates for remaining compact and committed throughout the encounter.

“We defended for most of the game. We knew it would be like that. We needed to stay in our shape and put our bodies on the line. We did that today.”

The Ghana attacker also admitted that it was not an easy night for the team’s forwards, who were often required to work defensively rather than focus on attacking opportunities.

“Every attacker wants to be on the ball rather than off the ball, but it’s what the team needed.”

Ghana’s tactical discipline proved crucial as they frustrated England’s array of attacking talent and limited the clear-cut chances available to the European giants. The result leaves both teams level on four points at the top of Group L and strengthens Ghana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Semenyo further highlighted the sacrifices made by the players, stressing that everyone understood their responsibilities heading into the contest.

“It was tough today. Props to the team, we knew we wouldn’t have much of the ball and go forward as much as we wanted to. Hopefully, we can go on to get through.”

Despite spending much of the evening defending, Ghana still threatened on the counterattack and came close to snatching all three points. Reflecting on one such opportunity, Semenyo admitted the moment unfolded too quickly for him to react perfectly.

“It happened so fast, I tried to move out of the way. We get forward really quickly. We’re unlucky not to get that goal.”

The draw represents another significant step forward for the Black Stars, who opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama. With four points from two matches, Ghana now head into their decisive final group fixture against Croatia knowing that qualification for the Round of 32 is firmly within reach.

While England prepare to face Panama in their final Group L encounter, the Black Stars will take confidence from their impressive defensive display as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds and continue their remarkable World Cup journey.