Antoine Semenyo has revealed that instinct and confidence played a key role in his stunning FA Cup final winner after guiding Manchester City to victory over Chelsea FC at Wembley Stadium.
The Ghana international emerged as the hero on Saturday afternoon, scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute to hand City a narrow 1-0 victory and secure another domestic trophy for Pep Guardiola’s side.
With the game finely balanced and chances at a premium, Semenyo reacted quickest to a dangerous delivery from Erling Haaland before cleverly guiding a first-time finish beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
The Ghana international emerged as the hero on Saturday afternoon, scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute to hand City a narrow 1-0 victory and secure another domestic trophy for Pep Guardiola’s side.
With the game finely balanced and chances at a premium, Semenyo reacted quickest to a dangerous delivery from Erling Haaland before cleverly guiding a first-time finish beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
Speaking after the match, the Black Stars forward admitted the finish came naturally in the heat of the moment.
“I just tried to improvise the best I could and it went in the bottom corner so I can’t complain,” Semenyo said after the game.
The 26-year-old also revealed that the technique behind the finish was not entirely new to him.
“I’ve done it a couple of times in training,” he added.
Semenyo’s goal carried huge significance beyond just winning the FA Cup. The strike made him the first Ghanaian footballer to score in a men’s FA Cup final since the competition was introduced in 1871, further cementing his place in Ghanaian football history.Remove ads
The forward has been in sensational form throughout the season. He enjoyed an impressive first half of the campaign with AFC Bournemouth before sealing a high-profile transfer to Manchester City during the January window.
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Semenyo has adapted quickly to Guardiola’s system and become an important figure in City’s attack. His pace, movement, and eye for goal have added another dimension to the Premier League champions as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
The Wembley strike was Semenyo’s 20th goal in all competitions this season, making him the highest-scoring Ghanaian player for a Premier League club in a single campaign.
His outstanding performances have also earned him a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Having already helped City win both the EFL Cup and FA Cup, Semenyo will now be focused on ending the season strongly as Manchester City continue their push for the Premier League title.
For Ghanaian football fans, the forward’s remarkable rise is another exciting sign ahead of the 2027 FIFA World Cup in North America, where Semenyo is expected to play a leading role for the Black Stars.
