Premier League Is Not Africa – Otto Addo Defends Semenyo’s Performance

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, says Antoine Semenyo performs better at Bournemouth than with the Black Stars because playing football in Africa is very different from playing in Europe.

Speaking after Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, Addo admitted that the difference comes down to the level of football on the continent.

“It’s difficult to compare games in the Premier League with games in Africa. Every game has its own nature. Surely, you can say that he stands out more in the Premier League, but for me, today, he was excellent,” Addo said at the post-match press conference.

Semenyo led the line for Ghana against Mali but had few chances to influence the game. Despite this, Addo praised the striker’s work rate and determination.

“He fought until he couldn’t run anymore. He was the lone fighter up front. He pressed, made strong runs, and created space for others. Even though he didn’t have many dangerous actions, I was very happy with his performance,” the coach said

The coach’s words highlighted the role Semenyo plays for the national team, less about scoring goals directly, but more about hard work, pressing, and creating openings for his teammates.

Semenyo has been in fine form in the English Premier League. Last season, he was directly involved in 20 goals, scoring 13 and assisting seven in 42 matches. This season, he already has two goals and an assist for the Cherries.

However, his impressive club displays have not translated into similar results for Ghana. Since making his Black Stars debut on June 1, 2022, in a 3–0 victory over Madagascar during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, the 25-year-old forward has scored only three goals and provided one assist in 27 international games.

With the win over Mali, Ghana now top Group I with 19 points after eight matches and are in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars will complete their qualifying campaign in October with games against the Central African Republic and Comoros.

Meanwhile, at club level, Semenyo will return to action when Bournemouth host Brighton at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025.