From non-league to the World Cup: The Semenyo story

Winger Antoine Semenyo's football journey began in the English lower leagues. BBC Sport charts his rise from Bath City to the World Cup, with Ghana poised to face England.

Antoine Semenyo's story is a classic tale of footballing perseverance. The Ghanaian winger started his career at Bath City in the sixth tier of English football, yet now he stands on the World Cup stage, ready to face England for Ghana. His journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of dreams. Semenyo's path began in Bristol City's academy, but he failed to break into the first team. In 2018, he was loaned to Bath City, then playing in the National League South. It was there that Semenyo began to shine, using his pace and dribbling to become a key player. His performances earned him a return to Bristol City in 2019, where he made his senior debut. However, his real breakthrough came in 2020 when he was loaned to Sunderland in the Championship. At Sunderland, Semenyo adapted quickly, helping the team avoid relegation and attracting wider attention. In 2021, Semenyo moved permanently to Bournemouth, also in the Championship. He developed into a consistent winger, playing a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2022. His speed, dribbling, and crossing became vital assets. Semenyo was called up to Ghana's squad for the 2022 World Cup. In the group stage match against Portugal, he came off the bench to provide an assist, helping Ghana equalize temporarily. Now, Ghana faces England in the final group game, and Semenyo may again take the field against the country where he grew up. Semenyo's rise is no accident. He possesses excellent physical attributes and technical skills, but more importantly, he remains humble and hardworking. From non-league to the World Cup, every step has been solid and determined. For Ghanaian football, Semenyo's story is an inspiration. It shows that no matter how low the starting point, dreams and effort can lead to the highest stage. For English football, his journey highlights the talent lurking in the lower leagues. The World Cup match against England will be another milestone for Semenyo. Regardless of the result, his story is already remarkable. From Bath City to the World Cup, Semenyo has written his own legend with his feet.

From non-league to the World Cup: The Semenyo story

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