Antoine Semenyo captains Black Stars for the first time in high-profile friendly against Japan

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo will wear the captain’s armband for the first time when the Black Stars face Japan in a high-profile international friendly on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi.

The match kicks off at 7:20 pm. (10:20am Ghana time).

With captain Jordan Ayew and vice-captains Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku unavailable for the fixture, Head Coach Otto Addo has entrusted the leadership role to the in-form Premier League striker, who has been one of Ghana’s most consistent performers in Europe over the past year.

Semenyo’s rise to prominence has been impressive, cementing his place as a key figure for both club and country. His work rate, explosive attacking play and growing influence in the dressing room made him the leading choice to guide the youthful squad in this crucial preparatory match.

The encounter against the Samurai Blue forms part of Ghana’s final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a near-flawless qualifying campaign that secured their return to the global stage.

Otto Addo’s side is expected to use the test against Japan, a disciplined, technically sharp and high-tempo opponent—as a valuable opportunity to assess tactical structures, build cohesion and give game time to emerging talents.

The Black Stars will also look to refine their pressing shape, defensive transitions and attacking combinations ahead of next year’s tournament. With a blend of experienced internationals and new faces in camp, the match offers a platform for fringe players to stake a claim for a World Cup spot while allowing the technical team to evaluate depth across key positions.

Ghana will be aiming for a strong performance to maintain momentum as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies.