Carabao Cup Final: Antoine Semenyo Claims First Trophy With Manchester City
- Antoine Semenyo has claimed his first major career trophy, three months after joining Manchester City
- The Ghana international played an instrumental role in City's 2-0 victory against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final
- Semenyo now becomes only the second Ghanaian footballer ever to win the competition
- Prince George Koffie, formerly of Accra Great Olympics, told YEN.com.gh that Semenyo’s display in the final reflects his rapid development
Antoine Semenyo has clinched the first major trophy of his career, helping Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, March 22.
Just three months after his move from AFC Bournemouth, the 25-year-old is already celebrating silverware.
Source: Getty Images
While he did not get on the scoresheet at Wembley, his impact was clear from start to finish.
A brace from Nico O'Reilly sealed the win and delivered City’s ninth title in the competition, but Semenyo’s all-round display played a key role in keeping Arsenal at bay.
Semenyo stars as City win Carabao Cup
There had been talk before kickoff that Semenyo would start on the bench. Instead, Pep Guardiola handed him a place in the starting line-up, and he took his chance.
Operating from the right flank, he stretched Arsenal’s defence and tracked back with discipline. He stayed on the pitch for the entire match, contributing at both ends.
His numbers reflected that effort. He registered two key passes and created a big chance, while also adding an interception and winning several duels, according to Sofascore.
Source: Getty Images
The victory marks a major milestone in his journey. From the lower leagues in England to lifting a major domestic trophy, the rise has been swift and well earned. It also came against Arsenal, the club he supported growing up.
Semenyo now becomes only the second Ghanaian to win the competition after Michael Essien, who lifted it with Chelsea in 2007.
Semenyo's performance praised by Ghanaian coach
Following the first trophy win of his career, Semenyo’s performance against Arsenal drew high praise from Prince George Koffie, a respected Ghanaian tactician whose coaching philosophy mirrors that of Pep Guardiola.
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, the former Karela United, Great Olympics and All Blacks trainer said:
"Semenyo’s consistency is no longer a surprise – it validates why Manchester City invested in him in the first place. Performances like the one in the final against a top side like Arsenal only underline his growing tactical maturity and confidence within the system.
"What stands out is his balance. He contributes just as effectively in the attacking phase as he does in defensive transitions, which is critical in a Pep Guardiola setup where positional discipline and work rate without the ball are non-negotiable. He understands when to press, when to track back, and when to stretch play in the final third.
"For any coach, that level of application is invaluable. Even in games where he doesn’t get on the scoresheet, his overall contribution – through movement, link-up play, and defensive responsibility – adds real value to the team’s structure.
"Those are the players who elevate collective performance, and that is exactly what Semenyo is doing."
Watch a compilation of Semenyo's performance vs Arsenal:
Meanwhile, there is little time to dwell on the moment. He is expected to join up with the Black Stars squad for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany on March 27 and 30, respectively.
With a first title secured and his confidence growing, Semenyo returns to international duty riding a wave of momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Why Semenyo's teammate was ineligible for final
Earlier, YEN.com.gh explained why Man City will only be able to use one of their January signings in the Carabao Cup final.
Although Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi both made instant impacts, only the Ghana international is eligible to play due to competition rules.
Source: YEN.com.gh
