ANTOINE Semenyo insists he is embracing the support he has received from Ghana fans, admitting: “It’s a lot more crazy than you think.”
London-born Semenyo has Ghanaian family and made his international debut last year.
He has scored twice in 11 senior appearances and is currently away with his country again.
The 23-year-old represented Ghana at last year’s World Cup and recently played a key role in helping them clinch qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
He could earn his 12th cap in a friendly against USA in Nashville, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, UK time.
Asked what life is like on the road with Ghana, compared to the relatively quiet existence players can enjoy in Bournemouth, Semenyo told the Daily Echo: “It is a lot. I’ll tell you what, the fans out there are passionate.
“Football is everything for them. We’re playing for them, we’re playing for us, playing for the country and when we win it’s like a big celebration. It’s a very nice feeling.”
Semenyo’s father, Larry, used to play in the Ghana Premier League.
Asked if his family had told him what it would be like ahead of playing for his country in June 2022, the Cherries forward said: “When family explain it, it’s like you’re going to be bombarded and this and that.
“But once you’re out there, it’s a lot more crazy than you think! But you just embrace it.
“In the streets, online, literally everything.
“You could be in the hotel sitting around and you have five or six people run at you. You just embrace it.”
During the last international break, Semenyo came off the bench to provide the assist for Ernest Nuamah to score a late winner against Central African Republic, earning widespread praise for his role.
That strike saw Ghana clinch qualification for AFCON, which is due to be staged in January 2024 in Ivory Coast.
Ghana have been drawn in a group alongside Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’d ready to embrace that challenge,” said Semenyo, looking ahead to the tournament.
“That was a good game (against Central African Republic). It was a tough game.
“The pitch wasn’t too good and the opposition surprised us, they were really good.
“They caught us by surprise and I’m happy to say I came on and provided an assist for the winner, so I can’t complain.”
Discussing his time playing for Ghana, Semenyo added: “For my family, it is big.
“My dad played in Ghana years ago and it is just nice to represent all the family and all my friends as well. It’s an honour really.”
Semenyo, who joined Cherries from Bristol City for around £9million in January, has made six appearances in the Premier League this season.
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