Antoine Semenyo Equals Michael Essien’s 19-Year Record With Carabao Cup Triumph
- Antoine Semenyo has carved his name into Ghanaian football folklore after lifting the Carabao Cup with Manchester City
- The 25-year-old became the first Ghanaian to win the competition since Michael Essien achieved the feat with Chelsea
- Having secured the first major silverware of his career, Semenyo could end the 2025/26 season with two more trophies
Antoine Semenyo has written his name into Ghanaian football history after helping Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final on March 22.
The London-born forward lasted the entire duration of the game and delivered an assured performance as City secured their first silverware of the 2025/26 season.
The win against the Gunners on Sunday marks the first major trophy of Semenyo's career, a milestone that reflects his steady rise through the ranks of English football.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo equals Essien's 19-year record
Back home, City's victory carried extra meaning, as a brace from Nico O'Reilly sealed the win, but Semenyo’s contribution ensured Ghanaians had a reason to celebrate as well.
With this triumph, he has joined Michael Essien, who lifted the trophy with Chelsea in the 2006/07 season, ending a 19-year wait for a Ghanaian winner of the Carabao Cup.
That famous final in 2007 saw Ivorian legend Didier Drogba scoring twice to overturn an early goal from Theo Walcott.
Watch the highlights of the 2007 Carabao Cup final as posted on YouTube:
Nearly two decades on, another Black Stars attacker has now left his mark on the competition against no other side than Arsenal.
Despite the number of Ghanaian stars who have played in England, including Anthony Yeboah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew and Sulley Muntari, only two have lifted the Carabao Cup, with Semenyo now part of that exclusive list.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo eyes glory with City and Ghana
There is little time for celebration for Semenyo and Man City, who remain firmly in the hunt for more silverware this season.
Following their exit from the Champions League after a 5-1 aggregate defeat, focus has now shifted to domestic competitions.
They face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, a test that could shape their hopes of adding another trophy, according to Goal.
In the Premier League, City are currently sitting second behind Arsenal, with ground to make up despite a game in hand.
Speaking to Sky Sports after lifting the trophy, Semenyo was asked about the impact the win could have on the title race.
As quoted by Football London, he commented:
"I think it gives us a boost, it gives us confidence coming back from the international break and hopefully catching up. I feel like I don't want to say too much because momentum can swing very quickly, so we just have to do our jobs leading up to that game, and hopefully we can finish off the job, potentially."
For Semenyo, the journey continues when he links up with the Black Stars for friendlies against Austria and Germany on March 27 and 30, respectively.
With confidence high and silverware already secured, he would head into international duty with momentum on his side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Semenyo fired warning to Arsenal before final
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo sent a warning to Arsenal ahead of his first major final with Manchester City.
In a chat with Peter Barnes before the Carabao Cup final, he admitted the clash would be a completely new experience for him.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
