Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sat 28 March 2026 17:49, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Antoine Semenyo was at the end of a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria on Friday as Ghana started their World Cup preparation off in the worst possible fashion.

Many have tipped the African nation to be dark horses at the tournament in the summer, thanks to the inclusion of the Manchester City star in their squad.

However, against Austria, he struggled massively and was eventually taken off in the humiliating defeat.

As a result, the Ghanaian media did not hold back and slammed his inability to be affect up top.

Below, Football Insider has examined what the media said about the Man City star’s dire performance in the 5-1 loss.

Antoine Semenyo slammed for ineffective performance vs Austria

Semenyo has been great for Man City since joining the club in the winter transfer window, but his Ghana career has not gone to plan.

After somehow not reaching the AFCON finals a few months back, he was redeemed by taking Ghana to the World Cup.

Yet, all signs now point towards an embarrassing tournament as they were completely outclassed by an Austria side that is considered one of the weaker nations in Europe.

Semenyo was one of the worst performers, as he completed just 65 per cent of his passes, had zero shots on target, did not complete a cross, and had just two touches in the opposition’s box.

As a result, Pulse on 27 March was quick to criticise the display, awarding the Man City attacker a 4/10 rating before commenting: “Largely ineffective in attack. Struggled to beat defenders and missed a notable opportunity.”

How much is Semenyo earning at Man City?

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Man City are paying Semenyo £200,000-a-week after his move in January.

The attacker could earn this amount until 2031 after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal upon his arrival.

This is also without including any bonuses he made have earned, with the winger already winning his first trophy at the club, that being the Carabao Cup.

⏱️ Full time at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.

🇦🇹 Austria 5️⃣-1️⃣ Ghana 🇬🇭#BlackStars || #AUSGHA pic.twitter.com/oQvF5mQRbV

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) March 27, 2026

As a result, Man City’s wage would have substantially increased mid-way through the season, with Marc Guehi also moving to the Etihad.

However, it remains to be seen if Semenyo will prove to be worth his fee, or if the Ghana match is the start of his drop-off in form.