Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has acknowledged that the Black Stars were forced into extended periods without possession as they battled to secure a 0-0 draw against England in their Group L encounter on Tuesday night at the Boston Stadium.
England controlled much of the contest, dictating play for long spells and finishing with 79 per cent possession — the highest recorded by a side that has failed to score in a World Cup match in six decades. Despite their dominance on the ball, they were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined and well-organised Ghana defence.
The Black Stars held firm throughout, maintaining their shape and limiting clear-cut opportunities as they absorbed sustained pressure from the Three Lions in a match where defensive structure proved crucial.
“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,” he told the BBC.
“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.
“Every attacker wants to be on the ball rather than off the ball, but it’s what the team needed.”
Semenyo also reflected on a missed opportunity during the match, admitting the moment came quickly and left him with little time to react.
“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 leaves both sides level on four points at the top of Group L heading into the final round of fixtures.
England now turn their attention to their clash with Panama, while Ghana prepare for a decisive meeting with Croatia, with qualification to the knockout stages still in the balance.
