Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo captains Ghana for the first time against Japan

Antoine Semenyo will captain Ghana for the first time when the Black Stars face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday in Aichi.

The Bournemouth forward takes the armband in the absence of Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Kudus, marking a new step in his international career.

Semenyo has been part of the national team since 2022 and has earned more than thirty caps. Born in England, he chose to represent Ghana and has become a regular in the squad through his work rate and commitment. His leadership role reflects the confidence the technical team has in him and the influence he brings to the attacking line.

The match will be played at the Toyota Stadium at 7:20 local time, 10:20 am in Ghana. Ghana will field a young team, giving Semenyo the chance to guide several emerging players on the pitch.

This captaincy debut is a significant moment for the 25-year-old, who has grown into one of the dependable figures in the side. Leading Ghana against Japan allows him to show his maturity and steady presence in a competitive international fixture.