Antoine Semenyo made an immediate impact on his return to Manchester City action by setting up Divin Mubama in their latest pre-season fixture as Pep Guardiola’s side continue preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Ghana international had been given extra time away from club football after representing Ghana at the FIFA World Cup. Semenyo played in all four of the Black Stars’ matches at the tournament before rejoining the Manchester City squad for their preparations.
Despite his extended absence, the 26-year-old showed no signs of rust. He collected the ball before using his pace and strength to get beyond defender Andy Diouf and drive into the penalty area.
Semenyo then kept his composure to square the ball across goal for Mubama, who tapped into an unguarded net to give City the lead.
Benjamin Pavard equalised six minutes later, leaving the sides level at half-time, but Semenyo’s display was among the most encouraging aspects of the performance for Manchester City. The forward’s energy, power and technical quality offered an early indication that he could again be an important part of Guardiola’s attacking options.
Semenyo has already described the intensity of Manchester City’s pre-season training, acknowledging the demanding workload placed on the squad by the coaching staff. That work is designed to prepare the players for another season in which the club will compete across several competitions.
His latest contribution also continues an impressive beginning to his career at the Etihad Stadium. Semenyo joined Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth during the January 2026 transfer window and quickly became a significant presence in the team’s attack.
In the five months since his move, he helped Manchester City win the Carabao Cup and secured a place in the club’s history by scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
The Ghanaian’s statistics have matched the impact of his performances. He scored seven goals and provided one assist in 17 Premier League appearances for the Sky Blues during the second half of last season.
That form followed a productive spell at AFC Bournemouth, where Semenyo scored 10 league goals before earning his big-money transfer to the Premier League champions.
Manchester City will continue their pre-season tour of Asia against the K-League Stars on 5 August. They will finish their preparations four days later with a meeting with Atletico Madrid.
Those fixtures will give Semenyo more time to build his understanding with his new team-mates before competitive football resumes. Manchester City face Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August, with the defence of their Premier League title beginning a week later.
Their opening league fixture will be against AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, giving Semenyo the opportunity to face his former club in what is expected to be an emotional start to the new campaign.
A lively first appearance after his World Cup involvement suggests Semenyo is ready to play a prominent role as Manchester City pursue domestic and European success during the 2026/27 season.
