Ghanaian Star Semenyo Shines in £65M Manchester City Debut

Antoine Semenyo's first day at his new job couldn't have gone better—the Ghanaian forward scored, assisted, and helped Manchester City make history in a stunning debut performance.

Just four days after completing his £65 million transfer from Bournemouth, the 26-year-old took the field against Exeter City in the FA Cup and immediately showed why City invested so heavily in him. He scored a composed goal, set up another, and earned man of the match honors in a record-equalling 10-1 victory.

The win marked City's first double-digit scoreline under manager Pep Guardiola and their biggest victory since 1987. It was also the largest FA Cup win by a top-flight team since Tottenham beat Crewe 13-2 back in 1960.

"Antoine is a humble guy and we have followed him for a long time," said assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who filled in while Guardiola served a touchline ban. "He brings something to the frontline—what we really want and what we need."

Semenyo's goal came when he calmly finished under the Exeter goalkeeper after a perfect pass from teammate Rayan Cherki. Later, he delivered a delightful cross from the left that Rico Lewis converted, showcasing the kind of service that will have star striker Erling Haaland excited about their partnership.

The performance made Semenyo the first City player to both score and assist on his debut since Sergio Aguero in 2011. That's legendary company—Aguero went on to become City's all-time leading scorer with five Premier League titles.

Why This Inspires

Semenyo's seamless transition shows what happens when talent meets opportunity and humility. His teammates immediately praised not just his skill but his character, with Lewis noting, "He's a really good person as well, which is another positive."

The forward had already scored 10 Premier League goals this season for Bournemouth before his transfer, proving himself at the highest level. Now he's joining a City squad competing on all fronts—six points behind Arsenal in the league, advancing in the FA Cup, and heading to a League Cup semifinal.

His beaming smile at full-time, as bright as the stadium lights, captured the joy of someone living their dream while staying grounded. In a sport often dominated by ego, Semenyo's humble approach and instant impact remind us that character and talent make an unbeatable combination.

From Ghana to the Premier League to one of the world's biggest clubs, Semenyo is proving that hard work and staying true to yourself can take you anywhere.