Antoine Semenyo Scores on Manchester City Debut as City Thrash Exeter 10–1 | FA Cup Highlights

Antoine Semenyo in action for Manchester City during his first competitive appearance, showcasing pace and physicality against Exeter City in the FA Cup.

Manchester City delivered a ruthless performance in the FA Cup, crushing Exeter City 10–1, with Antoine Semenyo marking his debut in style by scoring and assisting in a dominant victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The January signing wasted no time announcing himself to City fans, producing a confident display on his first competitive start and becoming Manchester City’s first Ghanaian senior men’s player in the process.

Semenyo Shines on Debut Night

Semenyo scored City’s sixth goal in the 54th minute, firing a right-footed shot from the center of the box after being set up by Rayan Cherki. Moments earlier, the forward had already made his mark by assisting Rico Lewis’ fifth goal in the 49th minute with a perfectly weighted through pass.

His performance combined pace, physicality, and sharp decision-making, troubling Exeter throughout the second half.

Full Scoreline and Goal Details

Manchester City’s goals came from:

• Max Alleyne (12’)
• Rodri (24’)
• Exeter City own goals (42’, 47’)
• Rico Lewis (49’, assisted by Semenyo)
• Antoine Semenyo (54’, assisted by Rayan Cherki)
• Tijjani Reijnders (71’)
• N. O'Reilly 79'
• R. McAidoo 86'

City controlled the tie from start to finish, progressing to the next round with total authority.

Guardiola Reaction and Touchline Approval

Pep Guardiola had spoken before the match about Semenyo’s enthusiasm, versatility, and passion for European football, confirming his inclusion in a depleted squad without guaranteeing a start.

Post-match, Guardiola applauded from the touchline during Semenyo’s 64th-minute substitution, a clear sign of approval following a highly effective debut display.

Semenyo Makes History at Manchester City

Beyond the goal and assist, Semenyo’s appearance carried historical significance. He became the first Ghanaian player to represent Manchester City at senior level, a landmark moment celebrated by fans across Ghana and Africa.

His pace and physical presence caused constant problems for Exeter, underlining why City moved quickly to secure his signature.

Form Context: Why City Signed Semenyo

Before joining Manchester City, Semenyo was in outstanding form at Bournemouth, scoring 10 Premier League goals in 20 appearances, ranking him third among top Premier League scorers at the time of his transfer.

That red-hot form translated seamlessly into his City debut, suggesting he could play an important role during the business end of the season.

What This Means for Manchester City

With domestic and European commitments piling up, Semenyo’s versatility across the front line gives Guardiola another powerful option ahead of crucial fixtures, including the EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle.

If this debut is any indication, City may have uncovered another decisive weapon for their title push.

Final Thoughts

Semenyo’s debut had everything — a goal, an assist, history made, and visible approval from Guardiola. Manchester City fans will be eager to see what comes next.

Watch the highlights and share your thoughts below is Semenyo set to become a key player at the Etihad?