Augustine Boakye has revealed in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa that he is thrilled to have finally made his senior debut for Ghana after coming off the bench in the Black Stars’ 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouaké.
The Saint-Étienne midfielder described the moment as a huge relief after being made to wait for his opportunity with the national team.
“I’m very happy to have finally made my debut for Ghana. It feels like a weight has been lifted off me,” Boakye told Footy-Africa.com.
“I have been waiting for this moment for some time, so to finally get on the pitch and represent Ghana means a lot to me. Of course, the result was disappointing, but personally, I’m happy to have made my debut.”
Boakye was part of Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but did not make an appearance, watching all four matches from the bench.
The experience was difficult for the midfielder, particularly as Ghana had moments during the tournament when his creativity and ability to make attacking runs could have provided another option.
“It was not easy for me,” he said. “As a player, you always want to play and help your country, so sitting on the bench for all the games was disappointing. But I kept working and told myself that my opportunity would come.”
That opportunity eventually arrived under Carlos Queiroz in Bouaké, with Boakye introduced in the second half for Christopher Bonsu Baah.
He made an immediate impression, looking sharp in attack and creating problems for the Ivorian defence. He also came close to scoring a consolation goal.
“I just wanted to go onto the pitch and enjoy myself, work hard for the team and try to make something happen,” Boakye said. “I was disappointed that we lost, but I was happy that I could finally contribute.”
The 25-year-old’s return to the Black Stars followed a strong start to the new season in France. He has scored four goals and provided three assists for Saint-Étienne in Ligue 2, form that earned him another opportunity at international level.
His performances also attracted interest during the summer transfer window, with Wrexham, Norwich City and Anderlecht among the clubs to show initial interest in the midfielder.
Boakye, however, remained focused on his football in France and continued to develop his game, eventually earning his Ghana recall.
With Ghana now preparing to face The Gambia in their second Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday, Boakye is in contention for his first international start.
After his promising cameo against Ivory Coast, the Saint-Étienne midfielder will be hoping his debut is the beginning of a more prominent role with the Black Stars.
