Antoine Semenyo Strike Rescues Point for Bournemouth Against Burnley
- Antoine Semenyo has remained a standout performer for Bournemouth during a difficult Premier League campaign
- The forward was on target again on Saturday, scoring his eighth league goal of the season to open the scoring and help secure a 1–1 draw
- His latest strike underlined both his clinical edge in front of goal and his importance as Bournemouth’s most influential attacking threat this term
Antoine Semenyo fired AFC Bournemouth into the lead, but a late Burnley rally ensured the points were shared in a 1–1 draw in Saturday’s Premier League Round 17 encounter at the Vitality Stadium.
The Ghanaian forward started and completed the match, leading the attack with pace and confidence. Operating mainly from the left, he posed a constant threat and repeatedly lifted the home crowd with his direct running and energy.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo’s decisive moment came in the 67th minute when a loose clearance fell invitingly into his path. Showing composure, he adjusted his body and curled a superb effort into the far corner to break the deadlock.
Bournemouth dominated large spells of the contest, enjoying the majority of possession and creating the better chances.
They pressed aggressively, moved the ball sharply, and looked on course to claim all three points as Burnley struggled for long periods to cope with the hosts’ intensity.
Watch Semenyo's goal below:
However, the visitors remained in the contest and were rewarded deep into stoppage time.
In the 90th minute, Armando Broja rose highest to head home from close range, silencing the Vitality Stadium and earning Burnley a share of the spoils.
The result keeps Scott Parker’s side in 19th place, but the draw against one of his former clubs moves them to within five points of 17th-placed Leeds United.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, extend their winless run to eight Premier League matches and slip to 14th in the table on 22 points, per Premier League.
The Cherries will now turn their focus to their next league fixture against Brentford on December 27. Semenyo’s strike takes his tally to eight Premier League goals this season — a feat surpassed before Christmas only by Dominic Solanke, who scored 11 goals for Bournemouth in the 2023/24 campaign.
United set to beat City to Semenyo
Meanwhile, according to Goal, a key factor shaping United’s optimism is uncertainty around Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans at City.
Although the Spanish coach remains under contract until June 2027, internal contingency discussions have sparked speculation that his era may not stretch as far as expected.
Rival clubs are alert to any sign of instability, and United see January as a moment to capitalise.
City’s technical staff reportedly view Semenyo as an ideal match for their attacking structure. However, doubts over leadership continuity could weigh heavily on a player preparing for the biggest step of his career.
For Semenyo, clarity of vision, project stability and regular minutes are expected to matter just as much as prestige.
United believe they can offer all three. With Ruben Amorim already praising the Ghanaian publicly, the forward fits neatly into a system built on flexibility and intensity.
Recruitment officials also see the clause as a market opportunity unlikely to present itself again for a player entering his prime.
Source: Getty Images
Sign Semenyo ASAP, United legend says
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Rio Ferdinand urged Manchester United to act fast on Antoine Semenyo after his impressive display against them on Monday night.
The Bournemouth forward played a key role as the Cherries held United to an exciting 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on December 15, 2025.
Source: YEN.com.gh
