Bristol City star Antoine Semenyo named in Ghana World Cup squad - could face Cristiano Ronaldo

Antoine Semenyo is one step closer to playing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after the Bristol City star was named in the 55-man Ghana squad. Ghana had to submit a provisional squad to FIFA on October 21 and the Black Stars have decided to go public with their names.

All 32 countries do not have to publicly reveal which players are in contention for a call-up with several tight-lipped including England. Ghana have decided to share their provisional squad list for Qatar with the public and Semenyo is one of the names listed.

The 22-year-old made his international bow for Ghana earlier this year after being included in their matches in the summer. He came on against Madagascar in June but suffered a shin injury that kept him sidelined for several months.

He has since recovered from his injury and has since gone on to play twice for his country in friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua as a substitute. For City this season, he has played a total of 15 times, scoring four goals and earning an assist. Semenyo has not found the back of the net however since Norwich City away.

Jojo Wollacott, who was on the books at Ashton Gate from 2013 to 2021 is also on the list and could reunite with Semenyo. The 26-year-old goalkeeper was their first-choice at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana have a deadline of Sunday, November 13, a day after Bristol City play Watford at Ashton Gate to submit their 26-man squad. Semenyo will have to come through unscathed from injury against Middlesbrough, Lincoln City and Watford in what is a nervous period for players.

If Semenyo is selected then City could earn up to £9,000 a day from FIFA as a result of a compensation package. FIFA have put aside £189 million as part of a 'Clubs Benefits Programme' as a result of the World Cup taking place mid-season which will impact some clubs. City will not play for under a month and will be without Semenyo until Ghana's involvement in the tournament is over.

Ghana are in a group with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea which could see Semenyo brush up against the likes of Premier League superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Son Heung-min. Ghana play Portugal on November 24 before facing South Korea four days later on November 28 and then their group stage will conclude on December 3.