Ghana’s Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey delivered a standout performance for Arsenal in their 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on January 15, 2023, earning a spot among the top-performing Ghanaian Players Abroad for the weekend of January 13-16, as rated by SofaScore. While Partey’s commanding display in the North London derby solidified his reputation, Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo claimed the top spot with a goal in a 4-2 win over Birmingham City, highlighting the growing impact of Ghanaian talent in European leagues.
Partey’s Pivotal Role in Arsenal’s Triumph
Thomas Partey, Arsenal’s midfield enforcer, was instrumental in their Premier League clash against Tottenham, helping the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points. The 33-year-old’s relentless energy and tactical nous earned him a place as the second-highest-rated Ghanaian player abroad, per SofaScore’s rankings. “Partey was the engine in Arsenal’s midfield,” noted analysts, as his performance stifled Tottenham’s attack and drove Arsenal’s dominance. His inclusion reflects his consistent form, having also starred in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup, as reported by MyJoyOnline.
Semenyo Steals the Spotlight
Bristol City’s 23-year-old striker Antoine Semenyo emerged as the top-rated Ghanaian Player Abroad for the weekend, scoring the opening goal in a 4-2 victory over Birmingham City in the English Championship on January 14. His dynamic performance underscored his rising stock, following a goal and assist in Bournemouth’s 5-1 FA Cup win over West Brom, as noted by GBC Ghana Online. Semenyo’s inclusion in SofaScore’s Top 10 list, alongside his 8.1 rating from a later Bournemouth performance, highlights his growing influence and potential for Ghana’s 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Other Ghanaian Standouts
The Top 10 list featured other notable performers, including Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu, Isaac Sackey, and Club Brugge’s Dennis Odoi in the top five, followed by Majeed Ashimeru, Alexander Djiku, Salis Abdul Samed, Alidu Seidu, and Bernard Mensah. Players like Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Jeffrey Schlupp (Norwich), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), and Grejohn Kyei also impressed for their clubs, as reported by GhanaWeb. These performances signal strong form ahead of the Black Stars’ March 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Angola, a critical step toward qualification.
Context and Implications for Ghana
The weekend’s performances come at a time when Ghana’s football is under scrutiny, following a controversial £5.1 million World Cup 2022 expenditure for a group-stage exit, as criticized by Jerome Otchere on Asempa FM. With Nigeria facing economic challenges like 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar in January 2023, the success of Ghanaian players abroad offers inspiration. Partey’s leadership and Semenyo’s flair underscore the depth of talent available to coach Otto Addo, who is monitoring players for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Looking Ahead to AFCON 2023
As Ghana prepares for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, the performances of Partey, Semenyo, and others highlight the importance of maintaining top form. “Players must continue working hard to merit a call-up,” SofaScore analysts noted, emphasizing the competitive nature of Black Stars selection. With Partey’s experience and Semenyo’s youthful energy, Ghana aims to build a formidable squad to compete in Ivory Coast, leveraging the momentum from their players’ club performances.
