Antoine Semenyo has set his sights on more silverware after playing his part in Manchester City’s triumph in the EFL Cup.
City secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday at Wembley Stadium to lift the trophy, with academy graduate Nico O’Reilly netting twice in the second half.
Operating from the right flank, Semenyo proved a persistent attacking outlet and has been influential throughout City’s League Cup campaign following his January move from AFC Bournemouth.
Reflecting on his early days at the club, the winger described the experience as a “fairytale” but made it clear his ambitions stretch far beyond a single title.
“First of many! I’m excited, I’m happy. And many more to come!” he said in an interview after the game.
Semenyo revealed he approached the game with calm confidence, trusting in the team’s tactical setup.
“[I felt] very chilled and relaxed [before the game]. It’s just another game for me. We had a game plan. And if you have the game plan right, you’ll win. We did that today. We’re proud and happy.
Given the freedom to attack, he relished taking on defenders and creating problems in wide areas, highlighting his direct duel with Piero Hincapié.
“I have that freedom to do what I want, get at defenders, and cause problems. That’s what I did today. Had Hincapie running around a little bit, it’s just what I do. It’s my job. It’s that freedom. As soon as he got booked, he was backing off a lot, so it gave me the opportunity to drive at him, cross and shoot.
Despite the early success, Semenyo believes there is far more to come from his game, pointing to his versatility as a key strength.
“It feels like a fairytale if I’m honest. I feel like I have a lot more to show. I feel like I want to play wide, as a nine, and show how versatile I am, and just help the team as much as I can. I’m enjoying my football, and it can only get better.
The Ghana international also reflected on his personal journey, expressing gratitude for his first major trophy.
“They’ve won so many trophies, so it feels like just another one for them, but for me it’s so personal. I’ve never won a trophy before. I give God all the glory.
“God’s got a plan. It might not work out, and you might not know why. But the answer always reveals itself later on. That’s what I’d say [to my 15-year-old self].
He added that the experience within the squad has helped him settle quickly.
“But it’s not intimidating. I feel like everyone has experience, and they keep the ones who are new calm and level-headed, and like today, we had a game plan and did everything right and were victorious,” he added.
Semenyo will now shift focus to international duty with Ghana national football team, as they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Austria national football team and Germany national football team later this week.
