Antoine Semenyo believes his late equalizer, which rescued a 1-1 draw for AFC Bournemouth against Nottingham Forest, has given him a confidence boost heading into the rest of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The crucial goal came in the 86th minute, smashing home a loose ball from close range after a ricocheted cross from Ryan Christie found its way to the Ghanaian forward’s feet. The strike salvaged a point for Bournemouth in a match where they had struggled to threaten the Forest goal.
Nottingham Forest had taken the lead in the 23rd minute through Chris Wood, who pounced on a rebound after substitute Ryan Yates’ shot was parried. The poacher’s finish put the hosts ahead as Bournemouth battled to find their footing in the game.
Bournemouth thought they had equalized in the 32nd minute when Dango Ouattara found the net, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside in the buildup. The Cherries found themselves on the back foot for much of the match until Semenyo’s late intervention.
Reflecting on his goal, the 24-year-old striker said, “It gives me confidence for the next coming games.”
He also credited the team’s pre-season drills for putting him in the right position to score.
“The manager, the assistants have been banging on all preseason that you make it to the back post, you get opportunities and that happened today,” Semenyo said.
After netting eight goals last season, Semenyo will be aiming to surpass that tally this term.
AFC Bournemouth will prepare to host Newcastle United next on Sunday, August 25.
