- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Semenyo Urges Black Stars to Be More Assertive With Officials as Ghana Chase Qualification
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has called on the Black Stars to be more vocal and assertive when dealing with match officials after a controversial penalty appeal was overlooked during their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against England.
The Bournemouth striker believes Ghana must do more to ensure key decisions receive proper attention from referees as they prepare for a decisive Group L showdown against Croatia on Saturday.
The Black Stars earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against England in Massachusetts earlier this week, a result that left them level on four points with the Three Lions and firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32. However, the match was overshadowed by a contentious incident involving England defender Ezri Konsa and Ghana attacker Prince Kwabena, with appeals for a penalty waved away and not reviewed by VAR.
Reflecting on the incident, Semenyo suggested Ghana’s players must become more proactive in pressing their case when controversial moments occur.
“As players, we need to gang around the referee and complain,” he said. “As a team, we need to be more aggressive around the officials, whether that’s players staying down longer after incidents or the coaching staff putting pressure on the fourth official.”
His comments highlight growing frustration within the Ghana camp over officiating decisions at a tournament where every point has proven crucial.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz echoed Semenyo’s concerns while acknowledging the difficult position players find themselves in when dealing with referees.
The experienced tactician, who is managing at his fifth FIFA World Cup, questioned the consistency of officiating and the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee system nearly a decade after its introduction to the global game.
“When incidents happen, people say our players didn’t protest,” Queiroz said. “But if they protest, they receive yellow cards. So we don’t really know where the line is.”
The former Portugal, Iran and Egypt coach also urged football authorities to review the implementation of VAR, arguing that the technology should be operating at a much higher standard by now.
“VAR has been around for ten years. There is no excuse for it not to be better than this. No excuse at all. It is time for FIFA authorities to carefully review what has been happening behind the scenes,” he stated.
Despite the controversy, Ghana’s focus remains firmly on securing qualification for the knockout stages. The Black Stars currently occupy second place in Group L, level on points with England but trailing on goal difference.
A draw against Croatia would be enough to guarantee Ghana a top-two finish and progression to the Round of 32. Victory, however, could see the Black Stars finish top of the group if England fail to defeat Panama in the other decisive fixture.
Queiroz has repeatedly emphasized that his side must concentrate on what they can control on the pitch rather than external factors, and the players appear determined to channel their frustration into a strong performance against Croatia.
With qualification within touching distance and group supremacy still a possibility, Ghana enter today’s encounter knowing that another disciplined display could secure their place among the tournament’s final 32 teams and continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
