Non-league graduate Semenyo delivers FA Cup glory for Man City in 2026 final

Antoine Semenyo's audacious late winner sealed Manchester City's FA Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley in 2026.

Fairytale moment at Wembley The FA Cup has always been a stage for extraordinary tales, and Antoine Semenyo crafted the latest chapter with a breathtaking strike that etched his name into Wembley's rich history. Eight years prior, he was plying his trade on loan at non-league Bath City before delivering a moment of pure magic against Chelsea. The 26-year-old's improvised flick in the 72nd minute secured a vital 1-0 victory, adding the FA Cup to Manchester City's trophy cabinet. This triumph marked City's 16th major trophy under Pep Guardiola and their 20th piece of silverware in his decade at the helm. ## Semenyo reflects on his journey Semenyo shared his thoughts on the unforgettable occasion, admitting the goal had been rehearsed in training. 'It has happened a couple of times in training - it happened perfectly today,' he revealed. 'Everything happened so fast to be honest. It came straight to me and I had to improvise myself as quickly as I could.' The forward also expressed his gratitude for reaching such heights in the game. 'I have never competed for trophies like this before, so everything is new to me. Hopefully, we can finish the job off. It is a good finish, I can't lie. As a kid I have always wanted to be playing for the top teams - it took a long time to get there, but I am grateful.' ## Expert praise for the strike Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was effusive in his praise for Semenyo's strike during the post-match analysis. 'It was just brilliant from Antoine Semenyo. The timing of the run and the finish is incredible,' he remarked. Robinson emphasized the quality required in a tightly contested final where a mistake or a moment of brilliance was needed. 'It was either going to take a mistake or a piece of quality to break the deadlock in this game - and it was a moment of sheer quality. That, for me, is one of the goals of the season.' ## City players celebrate historic double As the final whistle blew, Manchester City's players erupted in celebration, lifting the FA Cup aloft amid a spectacular fireworks display. The west end of Wembley echoed with chants of Semenyo's name, while his teammates formed a circle around him on the pitch. This victory completed a historic domestic double for City, following their Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal in March. Semenyo's goal not only secured the FA Cup but also earned him the player of the match accolade, capping off a remarkable season. ## Guardiola's tactical adjustments pay off Chelsea adopted a defensive strategy, absorbing City's pressure in hopes of striking on the counterattack. This approach nearly yielded results, as Guardiola's side struggled to break down their rivals. Semenyo's late intervention provided the spark needed to shift the momentum decisively. The Ivorian's impact was immediate following his January arrival from Bournemouth, despite competition from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. His debut against Exeter in a 10-1 third-round thrashing demonstrated his value, and he went on to feature in more FA Cup goals than any teammate this season. ## Semenyo makes Ghanaian football history Semenyo also made his family proud by becoming the first Ghanaian player to score in an FA Cup final. His goal helped City overcome heartbreak from consecutive final defeats to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Reflecting on Guardiola's guidance, he shared the manager's initial advice. 'The first thing he [Pep Guardiola] said to me when I came was 'don't change your game',' Semenyo recalled. 'He knows we control the game a lot, he still wants me to be me, still create a bit of chaos.' ## Guehi secures back-to-back FA Cup glory Marc Guehi became the fourth player to win consecutive FA Cup finals with different clubs, having triumphed with Crystal Palace last season. The England defender joined City from Palace in January for £20 million, adding to their January haul alongside Semenyo. Guardiola explained his transfer philosophy, stating, 'You can spend, I don't know how much money, and if it works it's cheap and you can spend less money and if it doesn't work it is not cheap, it is expensive. That is the tendency for all the clubs to sign players.' Guehi reflected on his achievements, saying, 'To be honest, they are both equally as nice. The one with Palace was a different occasion. It was my first trophy. This one, especially after the tough season, they're both equally amazing.' ## Guehi's injury and City's domestic ambitions Guehi missed Palace's celebrations last year after suffering a fractured eye socket in the final, and he may miss out on this victory too. City remain in contention for a historic domestic treble, sitting two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games remaining. Their next challenge is a tough away trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday. Guardiola dismissed any immediate celebrations, stating, 'Not even one beer. Next Monday after [the final game against] Aston Villa, we are going to celebrate it with the women's team, the club said that to me [with] some parade in Manchester because we must celebrate with both teams. No, no, no - not have time [to celebrate].' ## Milestone moments for Silva and Stones The FA Cup triumph at Wembley served as a poignant finale for captain Bernardo Silva and John Stones, both departing City at season's end. Guardiola's future at the club remains uncertain, leaving open the possibility that his decade-long tenure could conclude with another magical Sunday against Aston Villa.