Semenyo says Cape Verde's World Cup run did not surprise him

Antoine Semenyo says Cape Verde’s performance at the World Cup came as no surprise, recalling that he had already rated them among the best African teams he had faced at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. The 26-year-old Manchester City winger believes the tournament further demonstrated the progress of football on the continent.

Semenyo first encountered Cape Verde during Ghana’s campaign at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. That meeting left him with a strong impression of the Blue Sharks’ quality, well before they attracted global attention at the World Cup.

Cape Verde made their debut on football’s biggest stage and reached the round of 32, where they pushed reigning champions Argentina into extra time. Their run ended when Diney scored a late own goal, but their display against the Lionel Messi-led side earned widespread support.

For Semenyo, the result was confirmation rather than a surprise. He believes African teams are now competing at the highest level and said the progress represented by Cape Verde and Morocco should continue. His assessment places the Blue Sharks’ World Cup showing within a wider rise in the continent’s football.

Ghana also reached the last 32, although the Black Stars finished the tournament in 24th position. Semenyo featured for Ghana during that campaign, giving him a direct comparison between the teams involved in the competition.

He is now preparing for a new season with Manchester City after an outstanding first campaign at the club. Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth in the 2025-26 season, having previously moved to Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2022-23.