Source: @BBC Sport
Antoine Semenyo has turned September into another statement of his growing stature in European football, earning the SuperSport African Player of the Month award after a series of influential performances for Manchester City.
The Ghana international secured 66.83 per cent of the public vote on SuperSport Predictor, finishing comfortably ahead of Malick Yalcouye on 13.55 per cent, Nicolas Jackson on 10.81 per cent and Mohamed Belloumi on 8.81 per cent. The margin reflects the impression Semenyo made during a month in which his direct running, intelligent movement and eye for goal gave City’s attack an added threat.
His contribution extended well beyond scoring. Semenyo offered City a forward who could create opportunities for teammates as readily as he could finish them himself, a combination that proved decisive across September’s Premier League fixtures.
How Antoine Semenyo made September count
Semenyo’s month began with a valuable assist in City’s 1-0 win over Coventry City. His delivery gave Erling Haaland the opportunity to head home the decisive goal, demonstrating the quality he can provide even when space in the final third is limited.
He also played his part in City’s Manchester derby victory, where his work rate and attacking intent helped maintain pressure in a demanding contest. However, his performance against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium stood out as the defining display of the month.
Semenyo set up Rayan Cherki before scoring twice himself in a thrilling 5-3 victory. His three direct goal contributions showed how difficult he can be to contain when he finds room to attack defenders. Sunderland had to contend with a forward capable of creating danger through individual runs and combining effectively with City’s other attacking players.
The numbers reinforce the strength of his performances. Premier League statistics listed Semenyo with five appearances, two goals and three assists by the end of September. He also recorded 31 touches in the opposition box and completed 89 per cent of his passes. Those figures point to a forward who remains involved in City’s attacking play rather than relying solely on moments in front of goal.
His ability to contribute in different ways gives City another string to their bow. Defenders must account for his pace and physicality, yet his passing and awareness make him equally dangerous when he links up with Haaland and Cherki. Semenyo has shown that he can turn a tight contest on its head, a quality that separates productive forwards from match-winners.
Another accolade for Ghana’s leading attacking talent
September’s award adds to Semenyo’s growing list of individual honours. He also claimed the Premier League Player of the Month prize in February, further underlining his standing among Africa’s leading players in English football.
For Ghana, his form offers an encouraging prospect as the Black Stars look to draw on their most influential players at international level. Semenyo is developing into a forward who can deliver goals and create opportunities against top opposition, rather than relying on one aspect of his game.
His September performances earned the recognition, but sustaining that level across a full campaign will be the next test. At Manchester City, where competition for attacking places remains fierce, his capacity to make a decisive contribution in different roles gives him a strong case for continued involvement.
