Semenyo Calls for Defensive Unity as Black Stars Face Croatia in Crucial World Cup Clash

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has called on the Black Stars to remain defensively organised throughout their upcoming FIFA World Cup Group L fixture against Croatia, insisting that collective discipline will be the key to securing a positive result.

Speaking ahead of the match at Lincoln Financial Field, the 25-year-old said Ghana's strong defensive performances against Panama and England must be replicated against a technically gifted Croatian side. "The most important thing for the team is that we defend together for 90 minutes to get a result," he said. "That is what we have to do."

Semenyo, who has built his club career in the English Premier League, said his experience at that level has prepared him well for the defensive demands head coach Carlos Queiroz places on the team. "I've been in teams where we had to defend a lot, so I'm used to it. It's what the team needs and that's what matters most," the forward added.

Ghana currently sit joint top of Group L on four points, having beaten Panama and drawn with England. A victory over Croatia would secure at minimum a second-place finish, with the Black Stars already through to the round of 32.

Despite the favourable standing, Semenyo cautioned against complacency within the squad. "We are all happy with what is happening at the moment, but we are not trying to get ahead of ourselves," he said, adding that the entire squad's focus remains firmly on the Croatian challenge.

"We know tomorrow is a very important game and we want to secure qualification. Every player is ambitious and wants to reach the next round, but our focus is on Croatia. We don't want to look too far ahead," Semenyo concluded.