Antoine Semenyo Equals Essien’s 2007 Record After Reaching Carabao Cup Final with Man City
- Antoine Semenyo has carved his name into Ghanaian football folklore after playing a role in Manchester City’s march to the Carabao Cup final
- His scoring run came to an end, but the 26-year-old was still celebrated as his side secured a Wembley showdown with Arsenal in March
- Michael Essien stood as the only other Ghanaian to have reached that stage of the competition until Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo’s remarkable start in Manchester rolled on Wednesday, February 4, as City sealed a place in the Carabao Cup final, and the Ghana international once again found himself at the heart of the story.
The forward had already given his side an edge in the opening meeting with Newcastle United, and the return leg confirmed their passage with a 3-1 victory, wrapping up a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
Source: Getty Images
How Semenyo's City reached Carabao Cup final
Pep Guardiola’s men knew the job was half done after the earlier success, where Semenyo contributed one of the goals that shaped the tie.
Omar Marmoush struck twice in the first half, showing sharp movement and calm finishing. Tijjani Reijnders then added another before the break, leaving the visitors chasing shadows.
Watch the highlights of Manchester City's 3-1 win over Newcastle:
Anthony Elanga pulled one back shortly after the restart, but it did little to change the outcome. City controlled possession, slowed the rhythm, and closed out the contest without alarm.
The result sets up a Wembley showdown on March 22 against Arsenal, who edged Chelsea to reach the decider, per The Standard.
It will bring back memories of the 2018 final, when the Manchester City side ran out as comfortable winners.
Source: Getty Images
Antoine Semenyo matches Essien's Carabao Cup record
For supporters back home, there was extra pride in the achievement.
Semenyo has now joined Michael Essien as the only Ghanaian to reach this stage of the competition.
Essien achieved that feat during the 2006/07 campaign with Chelsea, later lifting the trophy after a dramatic win over Arsenal.
According to the BBC, Didier Drogba scored twice that day to overturn an early strike from Theo Walcott.
Watch the video:
Now, nearly two decades later, another Black Stars attacker has the chance to make his own mark.
Antoine Semenyo’s rise from the lower divisions in England to a side challenging for honours has been swift, yet he has handled each step with calm assurance.
Before thoughts turn fully to Wembley, attention shifts back to league duty. A trip to Anfield comes next, where City meet Liverpool on February 8.
Semenyo has mixed memories of facing the Reds earlier in the season and will aim to influence another big occasion.
Watch the video:
Why Semenyo was cleared but teammate banned
YEN.com.gh earlier noted that Manchester City’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United came with a selection rule twist.
The regulation cleared Antoine Semenyo to feature but prevented fellow January signing Marc Guehi from playing.
Source: YEN.com.gh
