World Cup 2026: Semenyo urges Black Stars to be more assertive with referees after England penalty controversy

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Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo says the national team should adopt a more streetwise approach when confronting match officials after a disputed decision in their 0‑0 draw with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana were left frustrated after a seemingly clear late penalty was denied when England defender Ezri Konsa challenged Prince Kwabena Adu inside the box.

Despite vigorous appeals from the Black Stars, neither the referee nor the Video Assistant Referee awarded a spot‑kick.

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Head coach Carlos Queiroz later questioned the decision, joking that the VAR officials had “gone for coffee” during the incident.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s crucial Group L clash against Croatia, Semenyo admitted Ghana may need to be more vocal and assertive in their interactions with match officials to influence key decisions.

“We talked about it in training that as players we need to gang around the referee and complain, we should say something,” Semenyo told reporters.

“As a team we need to be more aggressive with officials, stay down longer, with our coaches pestering the fourth official. That’s what we need to do.”